Keonjhar: Two labourers were killed and another sustained grievous injuries when a heap of earth collapsed during underground drainage work in Joda area of Odisha’s Keonjhar district on Tuesday.
According to preliminary information, the mishap took place at Kamarajoda village under the jurisdiction of Joda police station. The deceased were identified as Charan Lohar and Arjun Lohar of Dalaka Hating locality of Joda.
Sources said the incident occurred when a drainage pipeline work was underway at the site where several labourers were engaged by a local contractor. The workers got trapped as a mound of earth suddenly caved in and fell on them. As they were buried under the earth, two of the labourers died on the spot.
The injured worker was rescued and immediately admitted to the community health centre (CHC) in Joda for treatment. His condition was stated to be critical.
On being informed, a police team from Joda visited the spot and launched a rescue operation, which is underway.
Tension prevailed at the site following the incident as locals staged a protest alleging lack of safety measures. The situation was brought under control after the police pacified the protesters.
