Bengaluru: A labourer from Andhra Pradesh died on Monday evening after mud collapsed at an under-construction building site inYelahanka, northeastern Bengaluru. The incident followed heavy rains that lashed several parts of the city earlier in the day, officials confirmed.
Incident during excavation work
According to officials, the workers were digging to lay the foundation of the building when the mishap occurred. Continuous rains had caused the pit to fill with water, weakening the soil. As the labourers continued excavation, the mud walls of the pit collapsed, trapping two men.
One worker killed, another injured
While one labourer lost his life on the spot, another worker was buried under the mud and had to be rescued by emergency teams. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently in critical condition, officials said. The identity of the deceased has not yet been officially released, but sources indicated he hailed from Andhra Pradesh.
Rescue operations and official response
Fire and emergency services, along with police teams, reached the spot soon after the collapse. Rescue operations were launched to pull out those trapped in the debris. Authorities are investigating whether safety measures at the site were adequate and if construction guidelines were followed, given the weather conditions.
Impact of heavy rains
The accident comes at a time when several parts of Karnataka, including Bengaluru, have been experiencing heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the region, warning of continued downpours that could disrupt daily life and increase risks at construction sites.
Safety concerns in construction
Labour rights groups have frequently raised concerns about the safety of workers in the construction sector, particularly during monsoon months. Experts point out that waterlogged pits and weakened soil structures pose significant dangers when adequate precautionary measures, such as reinforced barriers or dewatering systems, are not implemented.
Conclusion
The tragic death of the labourer highlights once again the vulnerability of construction workers in Bengaluru, especially during heavy rains. Officials have assured that the incident will be investigated, and safety compliance at the site will be scrutinised. Meanwhile, the condition of the injured worker remains critical as he continues to receive medical care.