Eight labourers electrocuted during roadwork in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district
Five other workers sustained burn injuries after a gravel-mixing machine touched a high-tension power line in Chhapoli village on Monday.
Eight labourers were electrocuted on Monday when a machine used for road construction touched an electricity line in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, according to The Pioneer.
The incident took place in Chhapoli village under the Udaipurwati police station area while a narrow road connecting Chhapoli to Kadamkund was being built through public participation.
Udaipurwati SHO Rampal said the machine used to mix gravel hit an overhead high-tension line, which caused electric current to pass through it.
Five others, including three women and two men, suffered burn injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the deaths, with the Prime Minister announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF to the families of the deceased.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has asked the district collector for a detailed report and ordered officials to ensure the injured receive proper care. Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded an investigation into the cause and responsibility for the accident.