A tragic incident at a stone quarry in Odisha's Dhenkanal district on Saturday has left several workers feared dead after a massive portion of rocks collapsed, trapping them underneath. The disaster occurred in the quarry located near Gopalpur village, within the limits of the Motanga police station.
Rescue Operations Mobilised at the Site
According to officials quoted by PTI, the workers were engaged in drilling and stone exploration when the collapse happened. The exact number of labourers trapped under the debris and the precise cause of the incident are yet to be ascertained. Local fire service teams, along with specialised units of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), have been rushed to the area to lead the rescue efforts.
The rescue operation is being supported by a dog squad and heavy machinery to clear the rubble. A fire service officer confirmed that the operation is currently in progress. Senior district officials, including Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil and SP Abhinav Sonkar, have reached the spot to personally supervise the rescue mission.
Political Leaders Express Grief and Demand Probe
Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives. In a post on social media platform X, he conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls.
Patnaik also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the accident. "Let appropriate investigations be conducted into the circumstances under which this incident occurred and the state of the workers’ safety measures," he stated, urging the government to focus on expediting the rescue operations.
Community Awaits Answers Amidst Tragedy
The incident has cast a shadow over the Gopalpur village area, with the community awaiting news from the rescue site. The use of explosives in the quarry, as hinted at in visual reports and the leader's statement, raises serious questions about safety protocols in such mining operations.
As the rescue teams work against time, the focus remains on saving lives and recovering the trapped workers. The state administration is expected to release more details regarding the casualties and the initiating factors behind the rock collapse once the situation stabilises.
