Karimnagar: Massive Blast in SCCL Shakes Nagepalli Village

Karimnagar: Residents of several villages rushed out of their homes, fearing an earthquake after a massive explosion during sand digging at the Open Cast-II coal mine operated by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in Nagepalli village, Ramagiri mandal, Peddapalli district, on Thursday.

The heavy blast caused strong vibrations felt across nearby villages, including Nagepalli, Ladnapur, Rajapur, Pannur and Adavinepalli, forcing residents to flee their houses in panic. Numerous houses suffered cracks, with walls and roofs damaged by falling heavy rocks. Five villagers were injured and immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Overcoming the initial shock, villagers gathered to stage a dharna, protesting against the SCCL management and contractors, demanding accountability for the incident. Former village Sarpanch Konda Odelu told Deccan Chronicle that the blasting was conducted without any prior notice to villagers, putting their lives and property at risk.

Around 110 houses were damaged in total. He added that many people, including children, were outside their homes during the blast; otherwise, the casualties could have been much higher, with an estimated 20 to 25 people possibly losing their lives.

The blasting was carried out by private OB (Overburden) contractors working with SCCL, reportedly violating safety regulations. Despite repeated complaints, there has been no intervention from the pollution control board. The thick dust released during the blast has caused respiratory and other health issues among villagers. Following the incident, SCCL officials and police visited the village and assured the residents of prompt repair of damaged houses, compensation, and medical assistance for the injured.