BHUBANESHWAR/DHENKANAL: During a blasting procedure at a quarry in Gopalpur within Motanga police limits in Dhenkanal, two workers were killed after a huge stone fell on them.
The site falls under Motanga police limits in Dhenkanal, and the incident took place on Saturday evening.
Initial investigation revealed the stone quarry was run by one Manas Rout for the last six to seven years. However, the licence expired on December 31 last year, and Rout is yet to renew it.
The teams of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Odisha Fire and Emergency Service were immediately deployed but the operation was put on hold in night.
Police said the deceased labourers are identified as Abhi Singh (25) of Balasore and Budhu Munda (23) of Keonjhar were pulled out from the rubble on Sunday morning.
North Central Range IG Satyabrata Bhoi confirmed the two deaths and informed no other worker was injured in the accident.
“A big stone fell on the two workers when they were engaged in drilling before blasting using the explosives. There were no other workers present when the accident took place,” he told.
Sources said a major tragedy was averted as usually only a few workers are engaged during drilling process and more are present during the blasting process.
Dhenkanal SP Abhinav Sonkar said, “A case has been registered against the owner of the quarry, and further inquiry is in progress.” Police said the rescue operation concluded later in the day.