Dhenkanal: Two dead bodies have been recovered so far from the dolomite mines at Gopalpur under Motanga police station in Dhenkanal after an explosion last evening that reportedly killed two persons.
Two fire service teams were engaged on the spot, and ODRAF personnel were also engaged. It is expected that some explosive materials may be inside the quarry. The necessary rescue operation has started, and a dog squad from Angul has been engaged. JCB machines were engaged in the operation to trace bodies from the debris.
Dhenkanal Collector and SP also reached the spot and are monitoring the situation. Due to poor visibility, the rescue operation was hampered at night. Investigators are examining whether explosives were used in the blast of the stones.
Dhenkanal Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil said that two dead bodies have been recovered so far. Rescue operations are underway, which started at 7 AM in the morning.
“One of the deceased is from Balasore, and another may be from Mayurbhanj or Keonjhar. The complete identity has not yet been confirmed. The mining operation had been suspended in September as there was no blasting permission. The mine lease also expired in December. Even after the expiry, they continued the mining operation. Legal action will be taken for the illegal mining operation,” the Collector said.
