Eight labourers were killed and five others injured after a machine used for road construction came into contact with an overhead high-tension power line in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district on Monday, police said.
The accident occurred in Chhapoli village under the Udaipurwati police station limits, where a narrow road connecting Chhapoli and Kadamkund was being constructed with public participation.
Udaipurwati SHO Rampal said the machine, used for mixing gravel, came into contact with the overhead power line, causing electric current to pass through it and electrocuting the workers at the site.
All eight deceased labourers were local residents, he said.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed grief over the deaths and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. He sought a detailed report from the district collector and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000 each.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said, "Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest."
Sharma also asked Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra to visit the accident site and ensure all possible 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 inspect the site and determine the circumstances leading to the accident.
"If any departmental or technical lapse is found, action will be taken," Nagar said.
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.
Former MLA Rajendra Gudha, who visited the spot, demanded compensation and government jobs for the families of the deceased.
(With inputs from PTI)