A major explosion occurred at a stone quarry in Gopalpur village of Dhenkanal district, Odisha, late on Saturday night, leaving at least two workers dead and several others injured, according to initial reports. Authorities fear the death toll may rise, as several workers are believed to be trapped under debris. The incident triggered widespread panic in the area.
Police and local administration officials said the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals. Rescue operations are underway, and a large police force has cordoned off the area.
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According to police and administrative sources, illegal stone extraction was allegedly being carried out at the quarry when the explosion occurred. The blast was so powerful that it shook the surrounding area, prompting local residents to rush to the spot and assist in rescue efforts until police arrived.
The explosion created a large crater, with massive stone chunks scattered inside it. Several workers were found lying injured, some in bloodied condition, while others were seen writhing in pain. Officials said the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed.
Authorities also stated that it is unclear how many workers were present at the quarry at the time of the explosion. However, informed sources believe that several workers may be trapped due to a soil collapse inside the quarry. Local administration officials confirmed that an order to shut down the quarry was issued on September 8, 2025, but operations reportedly continued in violation of that directive.
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Teams from the disaster response force and fire brigade have been deployed, with seven rescue teams currently working at the site. According to a fire department official, heavy machinery has been brought in to move the huge rocks that have collapsed inside the quarry. Sniffer dogs have also been deployed.
