An explosion at the Chirmiri open cast coal mine, operated by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Chhattisgarh’s Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, has led to injuries for three workers, including two women. The blast occurred on Monday afternoon during the preparation for a planned blasting operation. A team of approximately seven to eight workers was reportedly on site, laying explosives when the accidental detonation took place. The suddenness of the blast caused fragments to hit the workers and vehicles in the vicinity. The injured were quickly transferred to SECL’s Kurasia hospital, where they are receiving treatment for minor injuries. Their condition is stable, and they are expected to be released from the hospital soon. An official inquiry has been launched to determine the definitive cause of the premature explosion, with preliminary speculation pointing to a technical issue. Safety procedures are under review, and the mine operations have been temporarily halted.
