Minor boy dies after being hit by stone during blasting in Odisha’s Koraput

Damanjodi: A 14-year-old boy was killed today as a stone hit his head during blasting at a quarry near Marichamala village under Damanjodi police limits in Koraput district. Locals later staged an agitation and demanded adequate compensation to the deceased’s next of kin.

The victim minor was identified as Ritesh Majhi from Marichamala village.

According to a source, Ritesh and his related brother Pritam Khara had gone to a nearby river at around 4.00 PM and were standing on a bridge. All of a sudden, a blasting occurred and a stone hit the left side of his head leaving him severely injured.

“The minor collapsed on the ground and succumbed on the spot,” Pritam expressed.

Ritesh was rescued and was immediately taken by the quarry owner to the community health centre (CHC) in Mathalpur. However, doctors at the health facility declared the boy ‘dead’.

The quarry owner identified as Sudhakar fled from the hospital after Ritesh died.

On being informed, Damanjodi police reached the hospital and seized the body. Police have registered a case in this connection and launched a probe.

Besides, locals alleged that the quarry has been functioning illegally and must be shut.