Worker Feared Dead in Tragic Quarry Landslide
A tragic accident at a stone quarry in Tamil Nadu's Perambalur district has left a 45-year-old man feared dead. The incident, which involved a landslide triggered by blasting activities, occurred on Saturday night in Chettikulam village.
As of late Sunday, the victim's body had not been recovered despite intensive rescue efforts. The operation was launched immediately after the accident and continued throughout the following day.
Details of the Quarry Accident
The victim has been identified as R Chakravarthy, a resident of Kothurpatti village in the neighbouring Trichy district. According to police reports, he was employed at the quarry owned by P Ranjana Devi, 45, of Melakalkandarkottai, also in Trichy district.
The sequence of events leading to the tragedy began with routine quarrying operations. Workers used explosives to break stones, employing an electric detonator for the blast. On Saturday night, after a successful blast, Chakravarthy went to collect the detonator wire.
It was at this critical moment that a sudden landslide occurred at the site. A heap of debris cascaded down, trapping the worker beneath it. His colleagues, witnessing the horrifying event, immediately sprang into action.
Rescue Operations and Police Response
The co-workers promptly alerted the Padalur police and the Perambalur fire and rescue services. Emergency teams rushed to the remote quarry location without delay.
Upon arrival, they launched a coordinated rescue mission to locate and extricate Chakravarthy from under the massive pile of stones and earth. The challenging terrain and the instability of the site made the operation difficult and hazardous.
The search continued throughout Sunday, with rescue personnel working tirelessly. However, as night fell on Sunday, the teams had not yet been able to recover the victim's body, leaving the community in a state of anxious suspense.
Ongoing Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the landslide and whether all safety protocols were followed during the blasting operation. Quarry accidents, particularly in the stone mining regions of Tamil Nadu, raise persistent concerns about worker safety and regulatory oversight.
This incident in Perambalur highlights the inherent dangers faced by workers in the mining and quarrying sector. It underscores the need for stringent safety measures, especially during high-risk activities like controlled blasting.
The local community and the victim's family in Trichy district await further news from the rescue teams as operations are expected to resume.
