A major accident occurred in the ongoing sewerage project in Sambalpur, leaving two labourers seriously injured after a sudden soil collapse in a dug-up pit.
The incident took place on Shankar Math Road under the jurisdiction of Dhanupali police station, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the project.
The victims have been identified as Prem Param (26) and Mukesh Meghwal (30), both hailing from Rajasthan. According to eyewitness accounts, the mishap happened around 7 PM on Thursday evening while the workers were engaged in their duties inside the excavation site. Suddenly, a large chunk of soil from above gave way, trapping the two men beneath the debris. While other labourers managed to escape in time, Prem and Mukesh were buried under the rubble.
Local residents and fellow workers immediately raised an alarm, prompting a swift response from the fire department and police. Rescue operations commenced without delay, involving manual digging and specialised equipment to extricate the trapped individuals.
After nearly an hour of intense efforts, the duo was successfully rescued and rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital for urgent medical attention. As of the latest reports, both workers are undergoing treatment, with their conditions described as serious but stable.
