Three Injured in SECL Coal Mine Explosion in Manendragarh

Tragedy struck the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district of Chhattisgarh on Monday when an explosion rocked the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Chirmiri open cast mine. Three workers, two of whom are women, sustained injuries during the incident, which happened between 2 pm and 3 pm. The blast occurred as a team was meticulously preparing for a routine blasting operation, laying explosives on the coal seam. Reports indicate that as the blasting gang began retreating to a safe distance, the explosion erupted unexpectedly. The force of the blast sent rock debris flying, impacting workers and vehicles present in the vicinity. The injured were immediately taken to the SECL regional hospital in Kurasia, Chirmiri, where they are receiving treatment. Authorities have confirmed the injured workers suffered minor wounds and are out of danger. The preliminary hypothesis points towards a technical defect as the likely trigger for the premature blast. Comprehensive investigations have been initiated to pinpoint the exact cause, with a focus on equipment safety, operational protocols, and potential human factors. The mining site has been secured, and operations are paused pending thorough safety checks.