A tragic rock collapse at a stone quarry in Odisha's Dhenkanal district has sparked fears of multiple fatalities, with rescue operations continuing into Sunday. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, has trapped an unknown number of workers under a massive pile of debris.
Details of the Dhenkanal Quarry Disaster
The disaster struck at a quarry located near Gopalpur village, within the limits of the Motanga police station. Workers were engaged in drilling and stone exploration activities when a large section of rocks suddenly caved in on them. The precise cause of the collapse and the exact count of those trapped remain unconfirmed, as authorities work to clear the site.
Massive Rescue Effort Mobilized
Emergency response has been swift and multi-faceted. Teams from the local fire service and the specialized Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) are leading the operation on the ground. They have been bolstered by a dog squad and heavy machinery to aid in the painstaking search through the rubble. Senior officials, including Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil and Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar, have personally reached the spot to oversee the efforts. A fire service officer confirmed that the rescue operation is actively in progress.
Political Reactions and Calls for Investigation
The incident has drawn immediate political attention. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in a post on social media platform X. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the peace of the departed souls. Furthermore, Patnaik called for appropriate investigations into the circumstances leading to the accident and the state of safety measures for workers. He urged the government to focus on expediting the rescue operations without delay.
The community and the state now wait with bated breath as rescue teams work against time, hoping for survivors amidst the devastation at the Dhenkanal stone quarry.
