Eight labourers killed as construction machine hits power line in Rajasthan
Five workers died on the spot and three more died during treatment after a gravel mixing machine touched a high-tension line.
Eight labourers were electrocuted and five others were injured on Monday in Chhapoli village, Jhunjhunu district, after a road construction machine hit an overhead 11 KV high-tension power line. The incident occurred near the Sikar-Neem Ka Thana State Highway while workers were building a narrow road connecting Chhapoli to Kadamkund through public participation, according to The Hindu.
Udaipurwati station house officer Rampal said the electric current passed through the equipment after a hydraulic jack made contact with the power line. Five workers died at the scene, while three others passed away during medical treatment. All the deceased were residents of Chhapoli village.
Villagers staged a demonstration following the accident, alleging negligence by the administration and the power discom. Protesters claimed that power poles were touching trees and that no staff were present at the grid sub-station when they attempted to call for a power disconnection.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has ordered a high-level inquiry and requested a factual report from the District Collector. He also directed officials to provide relief to the families and instructed Minister of State for Urban Development Jhabar Singh Kharra to visit the site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased worker, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.
Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar stated that technical officials have been told to investigate the circumstances and said action would be taken if any departmental or technical lapse is identified.