An explosion at an open-cast coal mine in Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB) district has resulted in injuries to three workers, including two women. The incident occurred at the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Chirmiri mine on Monday afternoon. Workers were in the process of preparing for a routine blasting operation when the unexpected blast took place. Initial reports indicate that a team of seven to eight individuals was laying explosives on the coal bed. The explosion happened suddenly as the blasting gang was moving away from the site to a safe distance for detonation. Flying rock fragments from the blast struck workers and nearby vehicles. The injured were promptly transported to SECL’s regional hospital in Kurasia, Chirmiri. Officials have confirmed that all three injured workers sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition, with expectations for their swift discharge. A preliminary assessment suggests a possible technical fault may have caused the premature detonation. An internal investigation is underway to ascertain the precise cause, examining factors such as equipment malfunction, procedural errors, or human oversight. Operations at the mine have been temporarily suspended pending safety evaluations. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in mining operations and prompts a review of preventative measures.
