At least seven labourers were killed and five others injured after a massive boulder rolled down and crashed onto workers at a stone quarry in Madapatna village of Bengaluru South taluk on Thursday.
The accident occurred at the Kaveri Crusher unit under the jurisdiction of Tavarekere Police Station while labourers were engaged in routine quarrying operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Pained to hear about the loss of lives due to a mishap in stone quarry in Bengaluru Urban district of Karnataka. I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar termed the incident tragic and said a detailed report had been sought.
“A tragic incident has taken place at two adjoining quarries on Magadi Road. I have received information that seven persons have died. The bodies have been recovered, and senior officers have visited the spot. It has been ascertained that no blasting took place. I will receive a detailed report. It is yet to be determined whether the quarries were operating legally or illegally. The prescribed rules must be followed,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that action would be initiated after the inquiry report is received and compensation would be announced after all details are verified.
“More importantly, such incidents must never happen again,” he said.
Shivakumar expressed condolences to the bereaved families and said the government would take strict action against quarry operators found violating safety regulations.
“It is the duty of quarry owners to ensure the life safety and security of workers engaged in quarry operations. The government will take appropriate action against quarries that violate regulations,” he said.
(With agency inputs)
