Eight Labourers Die After Road Construction Machine Hits High-Tension Wire in Rajasthan
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Eight labourers were killed and several others injured after a road construction machine came into contact with an overhead high-tension power line in Chapoli village of Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district on Monday, police said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive ₹50,000 each.
High-Tension Wire Contact Triggers Fatal Accident
According to police, the accident occurred when a machine used to mix gravel during road construction came into contact with an overhead high-voltage electricity line. The current spread through the machinery, electrocuting labourers working at the site.
Udaipurwati Station House Officer Rampal confirmed the incident. The injured were taken for medical treatment, while police and other authorities reached the spot to assess the situation.
Further details about the identities of the deceased and the condition of the injured are awaited.
Villagers Protest, Demand Accountability
The deaths triggered anger among local residents, who gathered at the construction site and staged a protest. Villagers demanded accountability from those responsible for ensuring safety during the road construction work.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances that led to the accident and establish how the machinery came into contact with the high-tension line.
PM Modi Announces Financial Assistance
The Prime Minister’s Office expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
In a statement shared on X, Modi announced ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each of the eight labourers killed in the incident. The injured will receive ₹50,000 each.
Rajasthan CM Express Grief
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma described the deaths as heartbreaking and said he had directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and immediate assistance for the affected families.
He also ordered an investigation into the incident and prayed for the recovery of the injured and strength for the bereaved families.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot called for a thorough investigation to establish how the accident occurred and determine responsibility for the deaths.
Gehlot also urged the state government to provide appropriate compensation and all possible assistance to the families of the deceased.
