Mine Accident: 3 Injured in Chhattisgarh Coal Blast

Tragedy struck a coal mine in Chhattisgarh on Monday when an explosion at the SECL’s Chirmiri open cast facility in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district resulted in injuries to three workers, two of whom are women. The incident took place in the afternoon hours as miners were setting up explosives for a scheduled blasting operation. Reports indicate that the blasting gang, comprising seven to eight individuals, was returning from the coal bed after placing charges when the blast occurred prematurely. This unexpected detonation sent debris flying, causing injuries to the workers and damaging some equipment. The injured were immediately attended to and taken to the Kurasia regional hospital. Hospital officials have confirmed that the injuries are minor and the workers’ conditions are stable, with recovery expected soon. SECL has initiated a thorough investigation into the blast, with preliminary findings leaning towards a technical malfunction as the likely cause. Safety measures are being re-examined, and operations at the mine are on hold.