An explosion at South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Chirmiri open cast coal mine in Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB) district has left three workers, including two women, with injuries. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon as a team of workers was preparing for a routine blasting operation. Preliminary reports indicate that the blast happened unexpectedly while the workers were laying explosives on the coal bed and returning to a safe distance. The explosion sent rock fragments flying, striking workers and vehicles in the vicinity. All injured individuals were promptly transported to SECL’s regional hospital in Kurasia, Chirmiri. They are reported to be in stable condition with minor injuries and are expected to be discharged soon. An internal investigation has been launched to pinpoint the cause, with initial suspicions pointing towards a potential technical fault. Operations at the mine have been temporarily suspended pending a thorough safety assessment and review of procedures.
