Two Odia labourers among three killed in accident at Patna metro construction site

At least three labourers, including two from Odisha, were killed and six others sustained serious injuries in an accident at the construction site of an underground tunnel for Patna Metro. 

The incident occurred near the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Ashok Rajpath late Monday night.

According to sources, the accident took place when a loco machine, used to transport materials within the tunnel, experienced a brake failure.

Due to the malfunction, several workers were caught in the path of the locomotive machine. Seven workers came under the impact of the machine and one of them died on the spot. The injured workers were rescued and rushed to the nearby Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) where two workers succumbed to injuries.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), overseeing the construction, has confirmed the incident and initiated an investigation into the cause of the brake failure.

The Patna Metro construction accident involved a brake failure in a loco machine within an underground tunnel, with three deceased -- a TVM operator, a loco machine operator and a helper, said an official.

Terming the death of Odia labourers tragic, Odisha Labour Minister Ganesh Ram SingKhuntia said, the compensation will be provided to the family of the deceased and necessary treatment will be ensured to the injured.

“This is a very unfortunate incident. Necessary compensation will be provided to the family members of the deceased labourers.  Besides, we will speak to Bihar government to provide best treatment to the injured,” SingKhuntia said.

DMRC Public Relations Officer (PRO) Monisa Dubey confirmed the incident, which took place around 10 pm stating that injured workers were immediately admitted to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the brake failure. A supervisor noted that no engineers were present during the late-night shift, potentially contributing to the incident.

The incident sparked discontent among workers on-site, leading to a protest. Police were called in to manage the situation and restore order.

(With agency inputs)