TNI Bureau: At least five workers were feared killed in a blast at a road metal stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district yesterday. There is no official confirmation on the death toll yet. However, two dead bodies have been recovered so far.

The incident occurred at the Nimidhia road metal quarry under the Motanga police station limits.

According to preliminary information, the explosion took place during stone mining operations when blasting was being carried out for excavation. The blasting was reported as “illegal” as it did not have the requisite permission.

Local police rushed to the site soon after receiving information and have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion. ODRAF team has been pressed into service for the rescue operation.

Further details are awaited as the inquiry continues.