An explosion at the Chirmiri open-cast coal mine in Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district has left three workers, including two women, injured. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon while a team was preparing for a routine blasting operation at the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) facility. Initial reports indicate that the blast happened unexpectedly as the workers, part of a blasting gang, were moving away from the coal bed after laying explosives.
The sudden detonation sent rock fragments flying, striking workers and vehicles in the vicinity. The injured individuals were promptly transported to SECL’s regional hospital in Kurasia, Chirmiri, where they are currently receiving treatment. According to SECL officials, all three sustained minor injuries and are reported to be stable and out of danger, with expectations of a swift discharge.
Authorities have initiated an internal investigation to pinpoint the exact cause of the premature explosion. While a technical fault is suspected, the probe will examine all possibilities, including equipment malfunction, procedural oversights, or human error. Operations at the mine have been temporarily suspended, and safety assessments are being conducted to prevent future incidents. The Manendragarh region is located approximately 300 kilometers from the state capital, Raipur.
