JAIPUR: Eight labourers were electrocuted and five others suffered burn injuries when a machine being used for road construction came into contact with an electricity line in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district on Monday, police said.
The accident occurred at Chhapoli village under the Udaipurwati police station area, where a narrow road connecting Chhapoli to Kadamkund was being built with public participation.
Udaipurwati station house officer Rampal said a machine used to mix gravel came into contact with an overhead high-tension 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, adding that the eight who died were local residents.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief and ordered a high-level inquiry, seeking a detailed report from the district collector and directing officials to ensure prompt treatment of the injured. He asked minister Jhabar Singh Kharra to visit the spot and ensure all possible assistance.
Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar said preliminary information suggested the work was being carried out privately, on a small scale, and that technical officials had been told to ascertain the circumstances. "If any departmental or technical lapse is found, action will be taken," he said.
Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot demanded an investigation into how the accident occurred and who was responsible, and urged adequate compensation for the families. Former MLA Rajendra Gudha, who reached the spot, sought compensation and a government job for the kin of the deceased.
(With inputs from PTI and media reports)