Eight Workers Killed in Electrocution Accident in Jhunjhunu
PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh for each deceased worker’s family and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
GG News Bureau
Jaipur, 2nd Nov: Eight workers were killed and five others injured after a road construction machine came into contact with an overhead high-tension electricity line in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
The accident occurred in Chhapoli village under the Udaipurwati police station area. According to police, a machine being used to mix gravel during road construction came into contact with an overhead power line, causing electricity to pass through the machinery and strike workers at the site.
Reports said an iron pipe attached to the cement mixer came into contact with an 11,000-volt electricity line. Five people, including three women and two men, sustained burn injuries and were taken for medical treatment.
In a post on X, Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He also confirmed the financial assistance from the PMNRF.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the deaths and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. He directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured, provide immediate assistance to affected families and submit a detailed report.
The Chief Minister also asked state minister Jhabar Singh Kharra to visit the site and ensure that all possible support reaches those affected.
Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar said technical officials had been directed to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident. He added that action would be taken if any departmental or technical lapse was established.
The incident triggered protests by local residents, who demanded accountability and action over the deaths. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also called for a thorough investigation to establish how the accident occurred and who was responsible.
