Shahdol (Madhya Pradesh): Two labourers lost their lives in a tragic accident on Thursday in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol district.
The incident occurred at Koni Tiraha in Ward No. 1, under the Sohagpur police station limits, where sewer line construction work has been underway for the past three years.
According to reports, the labourers were working inside a deep trench when a large amount of soil suddenly collapsed on them. The two men got buried under the debris before they could be rescued.
Despite efforts by fellow workers and local authorities, both were declared dead after being pulled out.
According to eyewitnesses, while the workers were laying the pipeline the soil of the dug up drain suddenly collapsed with force that the labourers had no time to escape. Rescue operations were immediately started by people present at the site and police were informed.
But due to heavy debris and the depth of the trench the rescue took significant time. By the time the workers were pulled out both had died on the spot.
The incident occurred amid continuous rainfall in the area, which had already made the ground unstable. Despite this, the contractor continued the work without halting operations. Local residents have alleged serious negligence, stating that no safety equipment like helmets or protective gear was provided to the workers.
Police teams from Sohagpur and Kotwali stations reached the scene and started the rescue. The identification of the deceased and other legal formalities are in process.
The district administration has ordered a search operation and responsibility is now being demanded from the construction company responsible for the project.
The tragedy has once again raised questions about the unsafe working conditions at civil project sites.
