6 workers trapped inside quarry in Tirunelveli; rescue ops under way

MADURAI: Six persons were stuck in a quarry at Tharuvai village of Palayamkottai taluk in Tirunelveli district.

The incident occured in early hours of Sunday.

Collector Vishnu said two victims have been rescued by Fire service personnel along with the local police and further efforts are underway to rescue four others. It's a private quarry functional since 2018 under agreement until 2023, and assistance from the Indian Navy has been sought to conduct aerial search. The NDRF squad comprising 30 personnel is on the way from Arakonam to join rescue efforts. A team will study geological formation of the quarry and further survey will done at the accident site. Liquid fluid is given to the victims by a medical team. Further, the Collector said visuals of rescue operation have been sent to the NDRF team and expert opinion is sought. Over the last 7 months, 6 quarries especially along Western Ghats were closed and sealed citing violations. Based on overloading complaints, action has been taken and with the coordinated efforts of Mines, Police and Revenue staff, borders along Kanniyakumari are being completely monitored to prevent any smuggling of mines and minerals.