A routine road construction project turned into a tragic accident in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district on Monday, November 2, claiming the lives of eight labourers and leaving five others injured. The incident took place in Chhapoli village, under the Udaipurwati police station area, where workers were constructing a narrow road connecting Chhapoli to Kadamkund. According to police, a gravel-mixing machine operating at the site came into contact with an overhead 11,000-volt high-tension electricity line. The electric current spread through the machine, electrocuting workers present at the construction site. All eight deceased labourers were local residents, police confirmed.
Five Workers Injured, CM Orders High-Level Inquiry
The sudden electrocution created panic at the construction site, while the incident left the entire village in mourning. Five other workers sustained injuries and were rushed for medical treatment. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and immediate assistance to the affected families. He also ordered a high-level inquiry and sought a detailed report from the district collector. The Chief Minister instructed Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra to visit the accident site and oversee the assistance being provided to the affected families.
Safety Concerns Raised, Investigation Underway
The incident has raised serious questions about safety arrangements at construction sites, particularly where heavy machinery operates near high-voltage electricity lines. Rajasthan Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar said preliminary information suggested that the road construction was being carried out privately on a small scale with public participation. Technical officials have been directed to inspect the site and establish the circumstances that led to the accident. The minister also stated that action would be taken if any departmental or technical negligence was found. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief and demanded an investigation to establish responsibility. The exact circumstances behind the accident are yet to be determined.