Eight labourers killed as machine hits power line in Rajasthan
Five workers died on the spot and three others died during treatment after a gravel mixing machine touched a high-tension line.
Eight labourers were electrocuted and five others were injured on Monday when a road construction machine hit an overhead 11 KV high-tension power line in Chhapoli village, Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, according to The Hindu. The incident occurred near the Sikar-Neem Ka Thana State Highway while workers were building a narrow road connecting Chhapoli to Kadamkund.
The electric current spread through a gravel mixing machine after a hydraulic jack made contact with the power line. Five workers died at the site, while three others died during medical treatment. All the deceased were residents of Chhapoli village.
The injured were moved to the Community Health Centre at Udaipurwati.
Villagers staged a demonstration following the accident, alleging negligence by the power discom and the administration. Protesters claimed that power lines and poles were in contact with trees and said no staff were present at the Grid Sub-Station when they attempted to call for a power disconnection.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has ordered a high-level inquiry and requested a factual report from the District Collector. He instructed officials to provide relief to the families and said the injured would receive ₹50,000 each. Minister of State for Urban Development Jhabar Singh Kharra has been sent to visit the site.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said a thorough investigation is necessary to determine how the mishap happened and to fix accountability for the deaths.