Tragedy struck Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh region on Monday when an accidental explosion at an SECL coal mine injured three workers, two of whom are women. The incident took place at the Chirmiri open cast mine around mid-afternoon during preparations for a scheduled blasting operation. Sources reveal that a group of seven to eight workers were engaged in placing explosives when the blast occurred prematurely. The force of the explosion propelled debris across the work area, hitting personnel and equipment. The injured were quickly evacuated to the SECL hospital in Kurasia, where they are receiving medical attention. Their conditions are stable, and they are not in life-threatening danger. Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the blast, with a technical error being the leading hypothesis. The company’s safety department and district officials are collaborating to ensure all safety protocols are re-evaluated and strengthened to prevent future accidents. The mine’s operations have been temporarily halted.
