Chandigarh, January 7:
A 50-year-old labourer lost his life and two others sustained injuries on Monday evening when a mound of soil collapsed at the Punjab Engineering College (PEC) construction site in Chandigarh. The incident occurred during the installation of drainage pipes for the under-construction Kurukshetra Hostel.
The workers, originally from Malda district in West Bengal, were engaged in the final stages of drainage work. Two labourers, identified as Haru (30) and Shivnath (25), were pulled to safety by their colleagues. However, a third worker, Akalu, remained trapped under the soil for an extended period and tragically passed away despite rescue efforts.
According to reports, the collapse happened while the workers were attempting to remove a rope-like plastic object used to align the drainage pipes. As they pulled the rope, a significant portion of the surrounding soil suddenly gave way. While Haru and Shivnath managed to call for help and escape partially, Akalu was completely buried under the debris.
Although fellow workers acted quickly to rescue Akalu, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Construction at the site has been ongoing for over 18 months, with the drainage system installation marking the project’s concluding phase. Authorities revealed that the workers were utilizing an extractor machine to position the pipes when the soil gave way.
The Sector 11 police have taken custody of the deceased’s body, and the family has been informed of the tragedy. DSP Central Udaypal Singh stated that no formal complaints have been lodged in connection with the incident so far.
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