Two construction workers buried alive in Nilgiris

COIMBATORE: Two construction workers were buried alive while they were digging a pit to carry out building works in The Nilgiris on Sunday.

Police identified the deceased as Settu (54) and Velu (28) from Omalur in Salem district. They were among the four workers, engaged by contractor Harshath to dig a pit for five feet to raise a compound wall in a land owned by a couple from Chennai.

Around 12 noon, while the workers were about to complete the digging, a loose portion of the soil caved in on the duo. Both the workers were buried alive on the spot.

On receiving information, the Fire and Rescue personnel rushed to the spot and retrieved their bodies and sent it for post mortem to Ooty Government Hospital. Nilgiris Collector SP Amrith visited the spot and said that the construction work was carried out without adhering to safety norms.

“An RDO inquiry has been ordered into the incident. Action would be taken in accordance with law,” he said.

The Ooty Town Central Police have registered a case and further inquiries are on.