Patna Metro Tunnel Collapse: Odisha Govt Deputes DLO To Bring Back Bodies Of 2 Workers

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is taking steps to bring back the bodies of two labourers from the state, who died after brakes of a loco pickup failed a Patna Metro construction site near the exit of National Institute of Technology (NIT) on Ashok Rajpath on Monday night.

“Seven workers from Odisha were engaged at the construction site. Satyanayan Acharya, who ran a consultancy, got a message from Alok Kumar of the Metro Railway project about death of two labourers – Manoj and Shyam babu – from the state. Another labourer Manoj has sustained critical injuries and undergoing treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital,” Labour Minister Ganesh Ramsingh Khuntia told reporters on Tuesday.

He further state that DLO Satyanarayan Acharya has been directed to visit the mishap site in Patna and take the necessary steps to bring the bodies back to Odisha. “We are yet to ascertain the districts to which they belong. Aadhaar cards are being verified to identify them since we only know them by their nick names,” he said.

The minister said that the labourers would be provided compensation, amounting to Rs 6 lakh as per the provisions, if they have labour cards. “Our priority now is to bring back the bodies,” he added.

Also Read: Two Labourers From Odisha Die, Another Injured In Patna Metro Tunnel Construction Site Accident

At the time of the accident, about 25 workers were on-site. Officials said that the toll could have been much higher had the mishap happened during daytime. It was also alleged that supervisors were available during the night shifts. “Around 10pm, due to a mechanical failure one person died on the spot, while the second person died at a nearby hospital. Further investigation is underway,” Patna Metro PRO Monisha Dubey was quoted as saying.