Bhubaneswar, Dec. 15 -- A major accident was reported on Monday at the Bagudi Khanjamahal stone quarry under Soro police station limits in Odisha's Balasore district, when a poclain machine slipped from a quarry hill during alleged illegal transportation of stones. The incident occurred at stone quarry number 42, officials said.

According to preliminary information, the heavy-duty machine lost balance while being used for unauthorised stone transport and plunged from the hill. The driver sustained critical injuries in the mishap and was battling for his life at the time of reporting. The Poclain machine was severely damaged after being crushed under falling stones at the quarry site.

The incident has raised serious concerns as restricti...