Odisha CM Announces Ex Gratia For 6 Workers From His State Killed In Granite Quarry Accident In Andhra

Ballikurava: Six migrant workers from Odisha were killed and three injured after a massive granite rock fell on them at Satya Sai Krishna Granite Quarry near Ballikurava in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.

According to police, the incident occurred around 10.30 am when about 16 workers were engaged in mining works. While four workers died on the spot, two died while undergoing treatment. The injured workers were taken to the Narasaraopet Government Hospital.

Six deceased in the accident were identified as Danda Badatya, Banamala Chehra, Bhashkar Bishoi, Santosh Goud of Ganjam district and Takun Dalai, Musa Jan of Gajapati district.

Bapatla District Collector Venkata Murali and Superintendent of Police Tushar Dudi oversaw relief measures at the accident site. SP Tushar Dudi supervised the rescue operations at the spot.

“All victims are from Odisha. We suspect water seepage caused the rock to give way. Forensic teams are investigating,” said Dudi, adding there were no blasts or seismic activity.

Rescue operations were immediately launched, with officials from the mining department joining the police at the site. Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the tragedy.

"I spoke with officials, instructed them to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured, and ordered a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident," said Naidu in a release.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep grief over the deaths. As per X handle of the Chief Minister's Office, Majhi extended his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakhs each for the bereaved family members of the deceased persons. The financial compensation will be paid from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

The latest incident has again brought forth the sorry state of Odia workers who migrate to other states every year in search of a livelihood. As per official data, as many as 403 migrant workers of Odisha have died while working in other states between 2015 to 2024.

Also Read

Two Workers Die, One Hospitalised Due To Gas Leak At MRPL Mangaluru