Tragedy struck Chhattisgarh’s mining sector on Monday when an explosion at the Chirmiri open cast coal mine, operated by SECL, injured three workers. The blast occurred during the preparation phase for a scheduled blasting operation, involving a team of seven to eight individuals, including two women.
Sources indicate that as the blasting gang was moving away after setting explosives on the coal seam, a sudden detonation happened. The force of the explosion sent rock fragments flying, impacting workers and vehicles in the vicinity. The injured were immediately taken to the SECL regional hospital in Kurasia, Chirmiri, for treatment.
Officials have confirmed that the three workers sustained minor injuries and are currently stable and recovering. They are expected to be released from the hospital soon. The premature nature of the blast has led to suspicions of a technical issue, prompting a thorough investigation.
SECL has initiated an internal probe to identify the root cause, which could range from faulty equipment to procedural errors. Safety measures are being re-evaluated, and operations at the site have been temporarily halted. The Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, where the mine is located, is approximately 300 kilometers from Raipur, the state capital.