Jammu, May 2: Three labourers were killed and one was rescued alive after an under-construction culvert collapsed in the Bantalab area of Jammu, officials said on Saturday.
The incident occurred at Thathar, where four labourers were working beneath the structure when a portion of the culvert suddenly gave way, trapping them under debris.
Officials said two bodies and one injured labourer were pulled out late Friday evening, while the third body was retrieved on Saturday morning.
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Rescue teams from Jammu and Kashmir Police, SDRF, NDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Army and civil administration rushed to the site and launched a joint operation. The injured labourer was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The rescue operation continued for several hours under challenging conditions, including darkness and heavy debris. During the operation, one fire service personnel also sustained injuries.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has ordered an enquiry into the incident and directed that a report be submitted within five days.
He said a Junior Engineer (JE) and Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) have been suspended, while the Executive Engineer has been attached.
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The contractor involved in the construction work will be blacklisted, he added.
“No compromise will be tolerated on the quality of work,” the Deputy CM said, stressing accountability.
