Bhubaneswar, 05 January (H.S.): Police have detained two persons in connection with the stone quarry blast at Gopalpur under Motanga police limits in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, which claimed the lives of two workers.

Those detained include the blasting operator, Chhabindra Mahakud, and one of his associates. Both are being questioned at Motanga police station as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

The explosion occurred on Saturday night at the stone quarry, trapping two labourers under debris. The victims were later identified as Abhi Singh (25) from Balasore district and Budhu Munda (23) from Keonjhar district.

Their bodies were recovered on Sunday after an extensive search and rescue operation, during which teams removed large mounds of soil and debris. Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the blast and determine any lapses in safety protocols.a

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda