Jhunjhunu, 02 November (H.S.): Eight workers were killed and five others sustained burn injuries in a major accident during road construction in Chhapoli village, in the Udaipurwati area of Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, on Monday. A road-construction machine came into contact with an overhead 11,000-volt high-tension power line, causing an electric current to spread through the machine and strike workers at the site. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed grief over the deaths and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and conduct an investigation into the incident.

According to Udaipurwati police station in-charge Rampal, the machine, which was being used to mix road metal and gravel during the construction work, suddenly came into contact with the high-tension power line. Electricity surged through the machine, electrocuting workers operating nearby. The accident triggered panic and chaos at the site. Five workers died on the spot, while three others succumbed to their injuries after being taken to hospital.

The deaths of eight workers sparked anger among local residents. A large number of villagers gathered at the accident site and began a protest.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma expressed sorrow over the untimely deaths of the workers. In a post on social media platform X, he said that the concerned officials had been instructed to ensure adequate medical treatment for the injured, provide immediate assistance to the affected families to the extent possible, and investigate the incident. He also prayed for peace for the departed souls, a speedy recovery for those injured, and strength for the bereaved families to cope with their loss.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief over the tragedy. In a post on X, he described the deaths of workers due to

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar