Meanwhile, the district collector has sought a report after locals alleged that the quarry was operating without necessary clearances.
Published Jul 08, 2025 | 4:16 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 08, 2025 | 4:16 PM
Chengulam quarry in Konni where the accident occurred.
Synopsis: The rescue operation in the Chengulam quarry accident in Kerala has been temporarily suspended after several boulders fell at the accident site. A rockfall accident occurred at Chengulam quarry at around 3 pm on Monday. The accident occurred following a rockfall on top of an excavator while it was removing rock.
The rescue operation in the Chengulam quarry accident in Konni in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala was temporarily suspended on Tuesday, 8 July, after several boulders fell at the accident site.
Although a large crane was brought from Karunagappally, the mission could not be resumed. Authorities said the rescue operation will begin after another crane is brought from Alappuzha and a rope from Karunagappally.
On Tuesday, the rescue operation began at 7 am. Two people were injured in a rockfall on Monday.
The body of Odisha native Mahadev Pradhan was recovered. A search is currently underway for Bihar native Ajay Rao, who was trapped under the rockfall.
On Monday, the search was suspended following adverse weather conditions and another rockfall after dusk.
“The search for those who were injured in the rockfall at the Chengulam quarry operating in Konni will resume tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7 am. Today’s search was suspended due to adverse weather conditions and another rockfall,” an official had said.
The state police, fire force personnel and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are jointly conducting the search and rescue operation. To ensure the safety of the public, no one except rescue workers and officials is allowed to enter the quarry.
The rockfall accident occurred at Chengulam quarry at around 3 pm on Monday. A rockfall occurred on top of an excavator while it was removing rock at the quarry. Pradhan was the excavator operator, and Rao was his helper. The excavator was completely destroyed.
Meanwhile, the district collector has sought a report after locals alleged that the quarry was operating without necessary clearances.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
