Jhunjhunu: Eight labourers died and five others suffered burn injuries after a machine used in road construction came into contact with an overhead high-tension electricity line in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district on Monday.
The accident took place in Chhapoli village, which falls under the Udaipurwati police station area. The workers were engaged in constructing a narrow road connecting Chhapoli with Kadamkund.
Udaipurwati Station House Officer Rampal said the machine, being used to mix gravel, touched the overhead power line. The contact caused electricity to pass through the equipment, electrocuting the labourers working nearby.
According to the SHO, all eight deceased were residents of the local area. Five other workers sustained burn injuries and were taken for medical treatment.
Rajasthan CM Orders High-Level Inquiry
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the deaths and ordered a high-level investigation into the accident.
He sought a detailed report from the district collector and instructed officials to ensure proper and timely treatment for those injured. Sharma also directed state minister Jhabar Singh Kharra to visit the accident site and coordinate assistance for the affected families.
Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar said preliminary information suggested that the road was being built on a small scale through private efforts and public participation.
He said technical officials had been instructed to reach the site and examine how the machine came into contact with the electricity line. Nagar added that action would be taken if investigators found any departmental or technical negligence.
Ashok Gehlot Seeks Accountability
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed condolences over the loss of lives and called for a detailed investigation to establish the circumstances behind the accident and fix responsibility.
He urged the state government to provide adequate compensation and support to the families of the deceased.
Former MLA Rajendra Gudha visited the spot and demanded compensation along with government jobs for the families of those who died.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances in which construction work was being carried out beneath the high-tension power line.
