Eight workers died by electrocution and five others were injured after a machine used to mix gravel and sand came into contact with an overhead high-tension power line during road construction in Rajasthan’s Chhapoli village, in Jhunjhunu district’s Udaipurwati area, on Monday, police said.
The wire touched the machine’s hydraulic jack, causing current to pass through it and electrocuting workers at the site. Udaipurwati MLA Bhagwan Ram Saini and deputy superintendent of police Sugan Singh also reached the site.
Udaipurwati station house officer Rampal said, “A machine being used to mix gravel and sand came into contact with the power line. Police said the incident occurred while a road was being built in the village. Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma in a post on X said he directed officials to ensure treatment for the injured, provide immediate assistance to affected families and investigate the incident. “The news of the untimely death of workers due to electrocution in the accident in Jhunjhunu is deeply saddening,” Sharma wrote. “I have directed the concerned officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured, provide every possible assistance immediately to the affected families, and investigate the incident,” he said.
Former minister Rajendra Gudha reached the site and urged the administration to focus on the families’ immediate needs. “A family member of each person who died should be given a job. This is not an issue to politicise. This is the time to stand with the victims and consider their rehabilitation.
The collector should come and reassure the families,” he said.
