Tragic Boulder Collapse Claims Lives of Seven Quarry Workers Near Bengaluru

In a heartbreaking incident on Thursday morning, seven workers lost their lives when a massive boulder fell at a stone quarry situated on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The unfortunate event occurred at approximately 7:30 AM in Madapattana village, which falls under the Bengaluru South taluk, as reported by Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

The boulder, estimated to have fallen from a height of around 40 feet, struck the area where laborers were operating machinery, leaving six others injured. These injured workers have since been transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Concerns remain as rescue operations are currently underway, with fears that additional workers may be trapped beneath the rubble. According to a police official, efforts to reach those potentially caught in the debris continue.

Witnesses indicate that at the time of the incident, about 20 workers were engaged at the quarry, many of whom were migrants from Bihar and Yadgir district in Karnataka. The quarry is reportedly owned by an individual named Anandaswamy, who has since been taken into custody by the authorities. As of now, a formal case related to the incident has not yet been registered.

Chief Minister Shivakumar stated that the government is awaiting a comprehensive report on the circumstances surrounding the boulder collapse, emphasizing that subsequent actions will be determined based on the findings. Both police and representatives from the Mines and Geology Department have already conducted site visits to assess the situation. The chief minister noted that inquiries are being made into whether the quarry was operating within legal parameters and if all necessary safety measures were adhered to at the site.

As the community reels from the tragedy, discussions on compensation for the deceased workers’ families are anticipated. Shivakumar highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the plight of the affected families, underscoring the need for stringent safety regulations in the mining sector to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.

Source: scroll.in