Odisha Quarry Tragedy: Multiple Workers Feared Dead After Rock Collapse in Dhenkanal

A massive rock collapse struck a stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, trapping workers under debris.

Why it matters now: Rescue teams are racing against time as several people are feared dead, with the exact toll still unknown.

What changes for people: The incident raises fresh concerns over worker safety and quarrying practices in the region.

Who is affected: Quarry workers, their families, and local communities in Dhenkanal.

Several people are feared dead after a large section of rock collapsed at a stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, triggering an intense rescue operation that continued into Sunday, officials said.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening at a quarry near Gopalpur village, under the jurisdiction of Motanga police station. Workers were reportedly engaged in drilling and stone extraction when the collapse took place.

What happened at the quarry

According to officials, a sudden cave-in of heavy rock slabs occurred during routine quarrying activity, leaving workers trapped beneath the rubble. The exact number of people buried remains unclear, as authorities are still verifying attendance records at the site.

Initial information suggests the collapse happened without warning, complicating evacuation efforts.

Rescue operation underway

Emergency response teams swung into action soon after the incident. Local fire services, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), a sniffer dog squad, and heavy earth-moving machinery have been deployed to clear debris and search for survivors.

Officials said the operation is being carried out cautiously due to the risk of further rock movement at the quarry site.

Investigation and safety concerns

Authorities have stated that the cause of the collapse is yet to be determined. A detailed inquiry is expected once rescue operations conclude, focusing on safety compliance, drilling practices, and geological stability.

Local administration officials said accountability will be fixed if any safety lapses are found.