An explosion at South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Chirmiri open cast coal mine in Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB) district has left three workers, including two women, with injuries. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon as the workers were preparing for a scheduled blasting operation. While laying explosives on the coal bed, a blast unexpectedly detonated, sending rock fragments flying. The injured were promptly transported to the SECL regional hospital in Kurasia, Chirmiri, where they are reported to be in stable condition and out of danger. An internal investigation is underway to ascertain the precise cause of the premature blast, with initial suspicions pointing towards a potential technical fault. Operations at the mine have been temporarily suspended pending safety assessments and the completion of the probe. This unfortunate event highlights the inherent risks in mining operations and underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols. Authorities are reviewing all necessary precautions to avert similar incidents in the future.
