Eight Labourers Electrocuted in Rajasthan Road Construction Project

At least eight labourers lost their lives and five others sustained injuries in a tragic accident involving a cement mixer machine and a live power line during a road construction project in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district on Monday morning.

According to eyewitnesses, the labourers were working in the Chapoli area when the machine suddenly came into contact with the power line, resulting in the accident.

The road construction project, which was being carried out on a small scale, was underway on a narrow road connecting Chhapoli to Kadam Kund.

Local villagers had begun constructing the road themselves. Reportedly without obtaining the required permission from the forest guards, after receiving financial assistance from the government.

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The Chief Minister, Bhajan Lal Sharma, expressed his condolences over the incident and ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter.

Energy Minister Heeralal, Nagar stated. that technical officials had been directed to visit the site to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Minister Nagar emphasized that any departmental or technical lapse found would be addressed accordingly.

Former minister Rajendra Gudha demanded compensation of Rs 20-25 lakh for each family affected by the accident.

Urban Development and Housing Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra visited the site and later visited the hospital to assess the situation.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's Office for the next of kin of each victim. Bringing the total compensation to Rs 12 lakh per deceased victim, as per the state government's policy.

Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee president Govind Singh Dotasra expressed his condolences over the incident and demanded an impartial investigation to establish accountability.

Experts note that the state government's policy provides a compensation of Rs 5 lakh in cases of electrocution-related deaths. With an additional Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's Office, resulting in a total of Rs 12 lakh per deceased victim.

As the investigation unfolds, concerns are being raised about the safety measures in place during road construction projects, particularly in areas with live power lines.