In a devastating accident that has once again spotlighted glaring safety concerns in the Pilgrim Town’s booming construction sector, a wall of an under-construction lodge on Chakra Tirtha Road collapsed on Saturday morning, crushing a labourer to death.
The victim has been identified as Papu, a resident of Jagatsinghpur district, who was working alongside other labourers at the site of the Durga Lodge project.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around morning hours while construction work was in full swing. Without any warning, a section of the newly raised wall gave way and came crashing down, trapping Papu beneath the heavy debris. Panic spread instantly as other workers fled for their lives. Papu, however, could not escape in time. Fire service personnel rushed to the spot within minutes and launched a rescue operation.
After a strenuous effort, they managed to pull the worker out from under the rubble. He was immediately rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Local residents and fellow labourers described the scene as chaotic and heart-wrenching.
Sea Beach Police Station officials reached the spot shortly after the incident and have begun a detailed investigation. Police are examining whether proper safety protocols were followed at the site and what caused the wall to collapse so suddenly. Questions are being raised about the quality of materials used, adherence to building norms, and the overall safety measures in place for workers at the lodge construction.
The tragic death has triggered fresh demands for stricter enforcement of labour safety laws in Puri, which sees constant construction activity due to its status as a major tourist and pilgrimage hub.
The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem, and police have registered a case to ascertain the exact cause and fix responsibility. Further updates are awaited as the investigation continues.
