An explosion at South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Chirmiri open cast coal mine in Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district has resulted in injuries to three workers, including two women. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon as a team of eight workers was preparing for a routine blasting operation. While laying explosives on the coal bed, a sudden, premature blast sent rock fragments flying, striking the workers and nearby vehicles. The injured were promptly transported to SECL’s regional hospital at Kurasia, where they are reported to be in stable condition and are expected to be discharged soon. Authorities suspect a technical fault may have caused the mishap, and an internal investigation is currently underway to ascertain the exact cause, which could include equipment malfunction, procedural errors, or human error. Operations at the mine have been temporarily suspended pending safety assessments. The incident highlights the inherent risks in mining operations and the importance of rigorous safety protocols. The district administration has been notified, and efforts are being made to review safety measures to prevent future accidents.
