A serious incident at the SECL Chirmiri open-cast coal mine in Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh has led to injuries for three workers, two of whom are women. The explosion took place on Monday afternoon while a team was undertaking preparations for a blasting operation. According to SECL officials, the workers were placing explosives on the coal seam when the blast occurred unexpectedly. The sudden detonation propelled rock fragments, striking personnel and vehicles operating in the area. The injured were quickly transferred to the nearby SECL regional hospital in Kurasia. They are currently receiving treatment for minor injuries and are reported to be out of danger. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are actively underway. Preliminary findings suggest a potential technical error might have been responsible for the premature blast. A comprehensive inquiry will examine all possibilities, including equipment integrity and operational procedures, to prevent future occurrences. Safety measures at the mine are being re-evaluated following this unfortunate event.
