Seven killed, five injured in Bengaluru stone quarry collapse
Bengaluru, July 2 (TNT): At least seven labourers, including six migrant workers, were killed and five others injured after a massive boulder rolled down and crashed onto workers at a stone quarry in Madapatna village of Bengaluru South taluk on Thursday morning.
The accident occurred at around 7.30 a.m. at the Kaveri Jelly Crusher quarry when a huge rock mass detached from an adjacent quarry and rolled down nearly 40 feet, crushing labourers engaged in stone-cutting operations and a tractor trolley used for loading crushed stones.
According to police, 16 workers were present at the site when the mishap occurred. Seven workers died on the spot, while five were shifted to hospital, one of whom is stated to be in a critical condition. Four others escaped unhurt.
The deceased were reportedly migrant labourers from Bihar and northern Karnataka.
Police, Fire and Emergency Services personnel launched rescue operations immediately after the incident. A case has been registered and an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the collapse and whether safety norms were violated at the quarry.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families.
“Pained by the loss of lives in an accident at a stone quarry in Bengaluru Urban district of Karnataka. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” she said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths.
“Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a mishap in a stone quarry in Bengaluru Urban district of Karnataka. I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar described the incident as tragic and said the government had sought a detailed report on the accident. He said appropriate action would be taken after the inquiry report is received and compensation for the victims’ families would be announced after verification of details.
The Chief Minister also assured that strict action would be taken against quarry operators found to have violated safety regulations.
TNT TS
