PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
A 21-year-old worker from Jharkhand died early Thursday morning when a block of concrete (shotcrete) lining broke and fell, approximately 900 meters inside the Barkot tunnel which is being constructed as part of the Silkyara tunnel construction project. Following the incident, the district administration ordered an investigation.
According to preliminary information, the accident occurred around 2 AM. While work was going inside the tunnel, a portion of the shotcrete lining suddenly collapsed on the worker who died at the scene. As per the information received, he was trapped under the fallen concrete. The officials, however, said that the cause of the collapse would be confirmed only after the investigation report is submitted.
Upon receiving the information about the incident, the district magistrate, Prashant Arya directed the sub-divisional magistrate, Barkot, to reach the scene and conduct a detailed inspection of the site to determine the exact cause of the accident. He particularly stressed on checking the safety standards being followed by the executing agency.
The DM also directed that all possible assistance be provided to the family of the deceased worker, all necessary legal procedures be completed in a timely manner and necessary steps be taken immediately to ensure the safety of other workers working in the tunnel.
Meanwhile, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) also conducted a detailed investigation into the accident and they are now preparing a factual report.
The district administration clarified that further action would be taken as per the rules based on whatever facts emerge from the investigation.
