A massive explosion at an illegal stone quarry near Gopalpur in Motanga, Dhenkanal district, Odisha, on Sunday has left two bodies recovered, while several more are feared trapped under the debris.
Fire Department personnel retrieved the bodies, and rescue operations are ongoing with ODRAF teams and two Fire Services units on site. JCB machines are being used to clear the rubble, and the area has been cordoned off to ensure the safety of rescuers and the public.
The blast occurred on Saturday night at a quarry under Motanga police station limits. Local residents alerted authorities, prompting immediate action from the administration and police. The site has been secured, and movement in and around the quarry is restricted while search and rescue operations continue.
Officials confirmed that the quarry lacked valid permission for blasting. The Dhenkanal district mining office had issued a closure directive to the leaseholder on September 8, 2025, due to the absence of blasting approval. Despite this, blasting activities reportedly continued in violation of rules.
The district administration and police are closely monitoring the situation as efforts continue to safely locate and rescue any workers still trapped under the debris.
