Chhattisgarh Mine Blast: Safety Under Scrutiny After Injury Incident

Three coal mine workers, two of whom are women, sustained injuries following an explosion at the SECL’s Chirmiri open cast mine in the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district of Chhattisgarh. The incident took place on Monday during preparations for a routine blasting activity. The blast reportedly occurred prematurely as workers were disengaging from the site after positioning explosives. Debris from the explosion struck the workers and vehicles nearby. Prompt medical attention was provided, with the injured being taken to the Kurasia hospital. Their injuries are minor, and they are currently in stable condition, with recovery expected soon. SECL has launched a comprehensive inquiry to determine the root cause, considering technical malfunctions as a likely factor. The company is emphasizing safety, with operations temporarily halted for a thorough safety review. This event underscores the critical need for robust safety protocols in mining.