An explosion at the Chirmiri open cast coal mine in Manendragarh, Chhattisgarh, has led to three workers being injured, including two women. The South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) facility experienced the blast on Monday afternoon while a team of seven to eight workers was preparing for a planned detonation. The explosion happened suddenly as the workers were moving from the blast preparation site. The force of the blast caused rocks and debris to scatter, hitting the workers and striking vehicles in the area. The injured were promptly transported to the SECL regional hospital located in Kurasia, Chirmiri. Their injuries are described as minor, and they are reported to be in stable condition, with medical professionals anticipating a swift recovery and discharge. SECL has initiated an internal investigation to determine the root cause of the premature explosion, with a technical issue being the leading theory. The inquiry will scrutinize equipment, operational procedures, and any potential human factors. Safety assessments are being conducted, and operations at the mine are currently paused. The Manendragarh district is situated roughly 300 kilometers from Chhattisgarh’s capital, Raipur.
