Kantabanji: A construction worker was killed after an iron rod reportedly fell on his head from the fourth floor of an under-construction banquet hall in Kantabanji area of Balangir district on Thursday.
The deceased was identified as Bhaba Grahi Patel of Burobahal village under Bangomunda police station limits.
According to reports, Patel was engaged in construction work at the building located along the Kantabanji-Bangomunda road when the iron rod fell from the fourth floor and struck him. He died on the spot.
Kantabanji police reached the site following the incident and launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the fatal accident.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s family has sought adequate compensation from the construction site owner, alleging that workers were not provided with proper safety equipment. Reports also suggested that hundreds of labourers were engaged at the site without essential protective gear, including helmets.
The incident has brought the issue of workplace safety and compliance with prescribed construction norms into focus. Police are investigating whether negligence or violation of safety regulations contributed to the worker’s death.
