A pre-blasting operation at an SECL coal mine in Chhattisgarh took a dangerous turn Monday, causing an explosion that injured three workers, two of whom are women. The incident took place at the Chirmiri open cast mine in the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district.
Reports suggest that as a team of about seven to eight workers concluded laying explosives on the coal seam, a sudden detonation occurred. The resulting blast propelled rock fragments, leading to injuries among the workers and causing some damage to vehicles. Immediate medical attention was provided, with the injured being taken to the SECL regional hospital in Kurasia, Chirmiri.
Officials confirmed that the injuries are minor and the affected workers are in stable condition, expected to recover fully and be discharged shortly. The premature explosion has raised concerns about safety procedures, and authorities are investigating the possibility of a technical malfunction or operational error.
An internal inquiry is currently in progress to pinpoint the exact cause of the blast. Safety measures are being reassessed, and operations at the site have been temporarily suspended. The Chirmiri mine is situated in a region about 300 kilometers from Chhattisgarh’s capital, Raipur.