Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two Labourers in Bareilly Rice Mill
In a devastating incident that has highlighted serious safety lapses, two daily-wage labourers lost their lives after a massive stack of paddy sacks collapsed on them at a private rice mill located in Bareilly's Devaraniya area. The tragic event occurred on Saturday at the mill situated within the Richa Nagar Panchayat, raising urgent questions about workplace safety protocols and management accountability.
Safety Warnings Allegedly Ignored Leading to Fatal Collapse
According to the formal complaint lodged by the grieving families of the victims, identified as Sarvesh and Vinod alias Manoj Kumar Sagar from Khirni village in the Baheri area, the labourers had engaged in a heated argument with the mill management regarding the unloading process. The workers had explicitly objected to the dangerous practice of removing sacks from the bottom of a precariously stacked pile, warning that such actions could trigger a catastrophic collapse.
Despite these clear safety warnings, the management allegedly compelled the labourers to proceed with removing the lower sacks, disregarding the imminent risk. Eyewitness accounts confirm that immediately after the sacks were pulled out, the entire stack gave way, trapping both workers under the heavy weight of the paddy bags.
Rescue Efforts and Fatal Outcome
Fellow labourers rushed to the scene and managed to pull out Sarvesh and Vinod from the debris. They were quickly transported to a medical facility for emergency treatment. However, despite the prompt rescue efforts, doctors at the hospital declared both men dead upon arrival, unable to save them from the severe injuries sustained in the accident.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the precarious working conditions faced by daily-wage labourers in industrial settings.
Legal Action Initiated Against Mill Management
In response to the written complaint filed by the victims' families, the Devaraniya police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the rice mill management. The case underscores allegations of criminal negligence and failure to adhere to basic safety standards, which directly contributed to the fatal accident.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of implementing and enforcing robust safety measures in workplaces, particularly in industries involving heavy manual labour. The authorities are now investigating the matter thoroughly to ensure justice for the deceased labourers and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
