Digital News Guru Odisha Desk:
A devastating accident at a stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district has left several workers feared dead and trapped under debris, sparking urgent rescue efforts and raising serious questions about safety and regulatory compliance at mining sites. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, January 3, 2026, near Gopalpur village under the jurisdiction of Motanga police station.
Rock collapse in Odisha quarry
According to officials, a large section of rock collapsed suddenly at the stone quarry while labourers were engaged in drilling and stone extraction operations. The massive fall of boulders followed reports of a powerful explosion inside the quarry, which authorities believe may have triggered the collapse.
Rescue teams, including local fire service personnel, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units, dog squads and heavy machinery, were immediately mobilised to the site. The Dhenkanal District Collector, Ashish Ishwar Patil, and Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar rushed to the scene to supervise the operations.
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed the exact number of casualties or the total number of workers trapped under the rubble, but multiple sources report that several people are feared dead.
Confirmed Casualties and Site Conditions
Separate reports indicate that the quarry, which was being used for stone drilling and exploration work, lacked proper blasting permissions and was allegedly operating beyond its legal lease period. In fact, the blasting licence had expired in September 2025, and the quarry’s lease term had expired in December 2025, according to administrative sources.
Local officials told reporters that at least two bodies were recovered from the site, though the identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed. One victim was said to be from Balasore district, while the other was reported to have been from either Keonjhar or Mayurbhanj districts.
Authorities have since sealed the quarry following the collapse, and enforcement teams are said to be preparing legal action against the lease holder for allegedly continuing blasting and mining operations after regulatory permissions had lapsed.
Rescue Operations and Response
The ongoing rescue operation remains difficult due to the scale of the rockfall and instability of the rubble, challenging the efforts of first responders. ODRAF and fire department officials are working around the clock, using machinery and search dogs to locate possible survivors amidst massive debris.
Speaking about the accident, local leaders have expressed deep sorrow and urged a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collapse, especially regarding worker safety and regulatory oversight at mining sites.
Political Reaction
The incident immediately drew reactions from political leaders. Leader of Opposition and senior political figure Naveen Patnaik took to the social media platform X to express his grief over the accident, stating he was “deeply saddened” by the news of workers losing their lives following the rockfall. Patnaik also called for an investigation into the safety measures in place at the quarry and urged the government to expedite rescue operations to bring out any survivors.
Regulatory and Safety Concerns
The tragedy has renewed focus on the broader issue of illegal or unregulated mining activities in Odisha. Quarry sites across the state, especially in rural districts like Dhenkanal, often operate with minimal oversight, leading to frequent deadly accidents and environmental degradation. Experts say strict adherence to safety protocols, timely renewal of licences, and regular government inspections are essential to prevent such incidents.
The fact that the blasting licence and lease agreement at this particular quarry had lapsed before the accident has triggered discussions among officials about strengthening enforcement against illegal operations and penalising violators to protect workers and surrounding communities.
Human Impact
For the families of those involved, the collapse is nothing short of a nightmare. Local villagers reported that workers from nearby communities often seek employment in stone quarries to earn a livelihood, despite the known risks associated with such work. The incident not only raises questions about workplace safety but also highlights the vulnerability of labourers who depend on high-risk jobs for survival.
Many residents appealed for emergency support and compensation for the families of the deceased and injured, urging local authorities to implement better safety training and enforcement at all mining and quarry sites.
Looking Ahead
As rescue teams continue their efforts — and as authorities begin formal investigations — the Dhenkanal quarry disaster serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in mining and stone quarrying industries when safety regulations and government oversight are insufficient or ignored.
The coming days are likely to bring more clarity on the number of casualties, the causes behind the collapse, and whether regulatory lapses contributed to the tragedy. Local administrators have pledged full cooperation with investigators and have promised swift action based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
For now, the focus remains on rescue operations, recovery of victims, and ensuring accountability for what has become one of the most tragic quarry accidents in Odisha in recent years.
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