Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the death of eight labourers who were electrocuted while working on a road construction project in Chapoli village of Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district. He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident through a post on X.

"Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the PMO quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

According to police, the tragedy occurred when a machine being used to mix gravel during road construction came into contact with an overhead high-tension electricity line. The electric current spread through the machinery, striking the labourers working at the site.

Eight labourers died in the incident, while several others sustained burn injuries. Udaipurwati Station House Officer (SHO) Rampal confirmed that the workers were electrocuted after the machine came into contact with the high-voltage power line. The injured were shifted for medical treatment.

The incident triggered anger among local residents, who gathered at the site and staged a protest, demanding accountability from those responsible for ensuring safety at the construction site.

Police and other authorities rushed to the spot following the accident. Further details regarding the identities of the deceased, the condition of the injured and the circumstances leading to the tragedy are awaited.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also expressed condolences over the loss of lives and said instructions had been issued to the concerned officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured, extend immediate assistance to the affected families and conduct an investigation into the incident.

"The news of the untimely demise of labourers due to electrocution in the accident that occurred in Jhunjhunu is heartbreaking," he said, praying for peace for the departed souls, speedy recovery of the injured and strength for the bereaved families.

Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot described the deaths as tragic and deeply distressing, and called for a thorough investigation to establish how the accident occurred during road construction and who was responsible.

Expressing anguish over the suffering of the families who had lost their loved ones, Gehlot said the government must ensure appropriate compensation and all possible assistance to the affected families.

He also prayed for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families to bear the unbearable loss.