Malkangiri: Two labourers were killed while another was injured when a boulder dislodged during illegal quarrying near the Bhairabi Temple at Pathar Kuanari in Malkangiri district on Friday.
The deceased have been identified as identified as Mitu Madhi of Champaghari and Tuna Gadaba of Gadaba village.
Bijay Rao, the injured labourer from Champaghari, is currently undergoing treatment. His condition is stated to be stable.
According to reports, a massive stone suddenly broke loose from the hill, hitting the workers when they were engaged in unauthorized quarrying activities. One labourer was killed instantly, while two others were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, one of the injured labourers later succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to two.
Tension ran high at the accident site as locals created uproar over the alleged illegal quarrying activities, which they claim have been putting lives at risk for far too long.
Upon being informed, police reached the place and launched an investigation into the incident.
District Labour Officer Arnapurna Duruka said, “As many as six labourers were engaged in quarrying activities near Bhairabi temple at 8 am when a large rock broke loose and fell on them. One of them died on the very spot while two others were injured in the mishap. The seriously injured labourer was shifted to District Headquarters Hospital in Malkangiri where he died while undergoing treatment. We are investigating if they had labour cards for compensation. We’ll file a case under Employee Compensation Act and take action against the owner, who had employed the labourers, after investigation”.
