The incident occurred near Gopalpur village when workers were drilling and extracting stones at the quarry. According to police, a large portion of rock suddenly gave way, trapping workers under debris. Local media reports confirmed two fatalities, while the exact number of workers trapped is still being assessed.
Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil said that two bodies had been recovered so far. “Rescue operations began at around 7 a.m. on Sunday and are continuing. One of the deceased is believed to be from Balasore district, while the other may be from Mayurbhanj or Keonjhar. Their identities are yet to be officially confirmed,” the Collector said.
Fire service personnel, teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), a dog squad, and heavy machinery have been deployed to the site. A fire service officer supervising the operation said debris removal was being carried out cautiously due to the risk of further collapse.
Preliminary findings have raised serious questions over safety compliance at the quarry. Officials said the quarry was operating without valid permission. The district mining office had issued a notice to the leaseholder on September 8, 2025, directing the closure of operations after the lease expired. Despite the directive, mining activities reportedly continued at the site.
Authorities also confirmed that no permission had been granted for blasting or drilling at the quarry. “Mining activity was being carried out illegally. Action will be initiated against those responsible,” Collector Patil said, adding that a detailed inquiry has been ordered to determine accountability.
Local residents said workers had repeatedly flagged safety concerns at the quarry, particularly during drilling operations. However, production allegedly continued despite warnings and regulatory restrictions.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over illegal mining and lax enforcement of safety norms in quarrying operations across the state. Mining-related accidents have been reported frequently in Odisha, prompting calls for stricter oversight and regular inspections.
Officials said rescue teams will continue operations until all trapped workers are accounted for. Further legal action will follow based on the findings of the investigation.
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