Tragedy struck an open cast coal mine in Manendragarh, Chhattisgarh, on Monday when an explosion injured three workers, two of whom are women. The blast occurred at the SECL-operated Chirmiri mine during preparations for a scheduled detonation. Reports indicate that a team of several workers was in the process of setting explosives when the accidental detonation took place. The force of the explosion sent rock fragments flying, leading to the injuries sustained by the workers. All three injured individuals were quickly taken to the SECL hospital in Kurasia and are reported to be stable and out of danger. While a technical error is the suspected cause for the premature blast, a thorough investigation is now underway to determine the exact circumstances. The mine’s safety protocols are also under review to prevent future incidents.
