Fatal Rock Collapse at Kaveri Jelly Crusher
Seven migrant workers were killed when a massive boulder collapsed at a stone quarry in Bengaluru South taluk, Karnataka, early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 7:30 am at the Kaveri Jelly Crusher near Madapatna, according to a police official.
The boulder fell directly onto the area where workers were operating machinery, leaving them no time to escape. The victims, all migrant laborers from Bihar and West Bengal, were crushed instantly. Rescue teams later recovered their bodies from the debris.
Investigation Underway
Local police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the collapse. Officials suspect that recent rains may have loosened the rock formation, leading to the accident. The quarry has been sealed pending a detailed inquiry.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure strict adherence to safety norms in mining operations.
Worker Safety Concerns
The tragedy has reignited concerns over safety conditions in stone quarries, which often employ migrant workers with little protection. Labor rights activists have called for stricter enforcement of mining regulations and regular inspections to prevent such incidents.
According to the National Institute of Occupational Health, over 50 workers die in quarry accidents in India each year, with many more injured. The majority of victims are migrant laborers from impoverished states.
