Punjab: Six labourers die, 5 injured in wall collapse

Fatehgarh Sahib (Pb), Aug 19: Six labourers died and five were injured on Sunday after the wall of an under-construction rice sheller collapsed at Lakhanpur village here today, police said. Around 10-15 labourers were working on the site this morning when the wall suddenly collapsed.

"Four labourers were killed on the spot while two others later succumbed to their injuries. Others were taken to Khamano Civil Hospital from where five were referred to a hospital in Chandigarh," a police official said.

Police said the deceased have been identified as Jagjit Singh, Manjit Singh, residents of village Lakhanpur (Khamano); Premshawar, Raghvir Singh, residents of village Farour (Khamano); Ranvir Singh and Harpreet Singh, residents of Dhuri.

The injured who were referred to Chandigarh were Jasvir Singh, Harbhjan Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Kulwant Singh and Makhan Singh. After receiving information about the incident, Khamano Station House Officer Navdeep Singh and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Paramjit Singh reached the spot and supervised rescue and relief operations.

Bassi Pathana MLA Gurpreet Singh GP also reached the site and expressed grief over the incident. He said the structure was unsafe and stern action should be taken against guilty. Fatehgarh Sahib Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Alka Meena said prima facie, negligence on part of the contractor and the owner has come to light.

"The police is thoroughly investigating the incident and a case would be registered against guilty," she said.

PTI