Eight labourers were electrocuted when a machine being used during road construction work came into contact with an electricity line in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district on Monday, police said, adding that five others sustained burn injuries in the accident.
The accident occurred in Chhapoli village under Udaipurwati police station area, where a narrow road connecting Chhapoli to Kadamkund was being constructed with public participation.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of labourers and said the incident was extremely saddening.
Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF to the next of kin of the deceased. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma sought a detailed report from the district collector and directed officials to ensure prompt, proper treatment for the injured.
Udaipurwati SHO Rampal said the machine being used to mix gravel came into contact with an overhead power line. “The machine came into contact with the high-tension line, causing electric current to pass through it. The labourers working there were electrocuted,” he said. Three women and two men are injured and undergoing treatment.
Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed grief over the deaths and demanded an investigation to determine how the accident occurred and who was responsible. He also urged the state government to provide adequate compensation and all possible assistance to the families of the deceased.