Jaipur: Eight labourers were electrocuted when a machine being used during road construction work came into contact with a live wire in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district on Monday.
Five others sustained burn injuries in the accident, the police said.
The accident occurred in Chhapoli village under the Udaipurwati police station area, where a narrow road connecting Chhapoli to Kadamkund was being constructed with public participation, as reported by The Tribune.
A machine being used to mix gravel came into contact with an overhead high-tension power line, Udaipurwati SHO Rampal said.
“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.
The eight labourers who died in the accident were local residents, he said.
Rajasthan chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the incident and ordered a high-level inquiry. He sought a detailed report from the district collector and directed officials to ensure prompt and proper treatment of the injured.
He also directed minister Jhabar Singh Kharra to visit the spot and ensure all possible assistance to those affected by the incident.
The road was being constructed with public participation and the work was being carried out privately on a small scale, the state’s energy minister Heeralal Nagar said.
Technical officials had been directed to visit the spot and ascertain the circumstances that led to the accident, the minister said, adding: “If any departmental or technical lapse is found, action will be taken.”
Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed grief over the deaths and demanded an investigation to determine how the accident occurred and who was responsible.
The state government should provide adequate compensation and all possible assistance to the families of the deceased, he said.