Eight labourers electrocuted during road construction in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu
Five others sustained burn injuries after a gravel-mixing machine hit a high-tension power line in Chhapoli village.
Eight local labourers were electrocuted on Monday, November 2, while working on a road project in Chhapoli village, Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district, according to ThePrint and The Hindu.
The accident occurred during the construction of a narrow road linking Chhapoli to Kadamkund. A machine intended for mixing gravel struck an overhead high-tension electricity line, causing current to pass through it, said Udaipurwati Station House Officer (SHO) Rampal.
While eight people died, five others suffered burn injuries in the incident. Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar stated that preliminary information suggests the road was being built through public participation on a small private scale.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has ordered a high-level inquiry and requested a detailed report from the district collector. He also directed officials to provide immediate medical care to the injured and instructed Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra to visit the site.
Technical officials have been sent to investigate the circumstances of the accident. Nagar said action would be taken if any technical or departmental lapses are identified.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former MLA Rajendra Gudha have called for investigations and compensation for the families of the deceased. Gudha also demanded government jobs for the kin of those who died.