Eight labourers were electrocuted while working at a road construction site in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district on Monday. The accident occurred after a gravel-mixing machine came into contact with an overhead high-tension power line, police said. The incident took place in Chhapoli village, which falls under the Udaipurwati police station limits.

Udaipurwati SHO Rampal said the machine which was being used to mix gravel came into contact with the overhead power line, leading to an electric current that passed through the equipment and electrocuted the workers at the site. The deceased workers were the residents of the same village.

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CM Bhajan Lal Expresses Grief

Expressing grief over the accident, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma directed the officials to provide immediate treatment to the injured and provide assistance to the affected families. Sharma also asked Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra to visit the accident site and ensure all necessary assistance to those affected.

Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar said preliminary information suggested that the road construction was being undertaken privately on a small scale with public participation. He said technical officials had been directed to examine the site and determine the circumstances leading to the accident.

"If any departmental or technical lapse is found, action will be taken," Nagar said.

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Ex CM Reacts

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed grief over the deaths and demanded an investigation to fix responsibility. He also urged the state government to provide adequate compensation and assistance to the bereaved families. Sharing a post on X, Gehlot wrote,"The tragic and heart-wrenching deaths of several laborers due to electrocution in Chhapoli, Udaipurwati, Jhunjhunu, are extremely sorrowful and poignant. A thorough investigation of this entire incident is essential to determine how this accident occurred during road construction and who is responsible for these deaths."

"One cannot help but feel anguished thinking about the unimaginable grief that must be passing over the families who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. The government must ensure that appropriate compensation and every possible assistance is provided to the families of the deceased. May God grant place to the departed souls at His divine feet and bestow strength upon the bereaved families to endure this unbearable sorrow," he added.

Ex MLA Rajendra Gudha, visited the spot, demanding compensation and government jobs for the families of the deceased.