8 months ago
Rock Collapse at Odisha Quarry Feared Dead
A big rock collapse happened at a stone quarry in Odisha, India.
It started with a powerful explosion that killed at least two workers and trapped many others.
The quarry was operating illegally, even though officials had ordered it to close.
Rescue teams are working hard to find and save any workers still trapped under the rubble.
The area is very dangerous, so only special teams with heavy machinery are allowed to help.
Officials are still figuring out exactly what happened and how many people were hurt.
The leader of the opposition has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and the safety measures in place for the workers.
A rock collapse at an illegal stone quarry in Odisha killed at least two workers and trapped several others.
The incident occurred during an explosion while workers were drilling and exploring the quarry.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with fire service teams, ODRAF teams, dog squads, and machines deployed to locate trapped workers.
The quarry was operating illegally despite a closure notice issued by authorities on September 8, 2025.
The exact number of casualties is still being verified as rescue efforts continue.
- Who
- Workers at an illegal stone quarry in Odisha
- What
- Rock collapse and explosion at a stone quarry
- Where
- Gopalpur village, Dhenkanal district, Odisha
- When
- Saturday evening
- Why
- Explosion during drilling and exploration activities
Government and Rescue Teams
Opposition Leader
Rescue Operations
Government and Rescue Teams
Focused on immediate rescue and recovery efforts, with multiple teams deployed to the site.
Opposition Leader
Urged the government to expedite rescue operations and conduct thorough investigations into the incident.
Investigation
Government and Rescue Teams
Conducting rescue operations as the primary focus, with investigations likely to follow.
Opposition Leader
Called for appropriate investigations into the circumstances of the incident and the state of workers' safety measures.
Key facts
- Location
- Gopalpur village, Dhenkanal district, Odisha
- Date
- Saturday evening
- Casualties
- At least 2 confirmed dead, several feared trapped
- Cause
- Explosion and subsequent rock collapse
- Rescue Teams
- Fire service teams, ODRAF teams, dog squads, and machines deployed
- Quarry Status
- Operating illegally despite closure notice
- Supervising Authorities
- Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil and SP Abhinav Sonkar
Timeline
Illegal quarrying defied safety orders.
Explosion triggered rock collapse, killing two workers.
Rescue underway; many still trapped.
Quotes
Ashish Ishwar Patil
Dhenkanal Collector
“As per available information, only two persons were there, and two bodies were recovered. One person belonged to Balasore district, while another deceased was from either Keonjhar or Mayurbhanj district. Their identities have not yet been established.”
thehansindia.com
“We will take legal action against the mine lease holder as blasting and mining continued at the quarry after expiry of the lease period.”
thehansindia.com
Naveen Patnaik
Leader of Opposition
“I am deeply saddened to learn that workers lost their lives due to a rockfall following an explosion in a stone quarry in Dhenkanal. At this sorrowful time, I convey my deepest condolences to the family members, along with prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls.”
thehansindia.com
“Let appropriate investigations be conducted into the circumstances under which this incident occurred and the state of the workers’ safety measures, and let the government direct its attention toward immediately expediting rescue operations.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Two killed in rock collapse at illegal stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal
Odisha stone quarry collapse: Several feared dead, many trapped; rescue operations underway
Illegal stone quarry blast in Odisha’s Dhenkanal leaves 2 dead
2 Killed As Rock Collapses At Illegal Stone Quarry In Odisha
Odisha: Several People Feared Dead in Rock Collapse in Stone Quarry
Expired lease, suspended blasting clearance: Odisha quarry where cave-in killed workers was operating ‘illegally’
Several feared dead after rock collapses at Odisha’s stone quarry
Several people feared dead as rock collapse traps workers in Odisha quarry, rescue ops underway
Two Killed, Several Feared Trapped After Explosion At Illegal Stone Quarry In Odisha
2 die as rocks collapse at stone quarry
Seven persons dead, over 15 injured in separate road accidents in Odisha
