Bhadrak: At least 20 workers were injured, more than 10 of them seriously, after a pickup van carrying construction workers overturned near Bekmudi Chhak on the Padmapur-Basudevpur road today.
The vehicle was travelling from Bhadrak to Basudevpur, overloaded with 27 tribal workers and a mixer machine. It overturned midway, throwing the passengers out and crushing one worker underneath the vehicle.
Locals immediately rushed to the spot and began rescue operations. Fire brigade personnel, police, and ambulances reached the location and successfully rescued the trapped worker. All injured persons were shifted to Basudevpur Hospital for treatment.
After initial care, five workers in serious condition were referred to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).The workers, all residents of Randia, Charampa, and Gelapur areas in Bhadrak, were heading to Mandari to work on the roof of a building. Police said they were being illegally transported in a goods vehicle, which is prohibited for carrying passengers. Most of the victims belong to tribal communities and are extremely poor. None of them reportedly possess even a labour card.
The Assistant Labour Officer visited the hospital, met the injured workers and doctors, and assured strict action against the illegal contractor.
Meanwhile, Basudevpur Police have detained the contractor and his accomplices involved in the incident.
A case has been registered and further investigation is underway. Police are also examining the overloading and illegal transportation angle.
