Zanskar, Sep 17: Two labourers were killed and two others injured after loose soil and debris suddenly collapsed at a road construction site near Jingchan under Leh jurisdiction in Zanskar on Thursday, police said.
According to a top police official, five labourers were present at the spot when the incident occurred. The labourers were reportedly taking rest beneath a rock-cutting area when loose soil and debris suddenly gave way, trapping them underneath.
Two labourers, one from Kishtwar and another from Jharkhand, died in the incident. Their bodies were retrieved from beneath the debris and shifted to District Hospital Padum for further legal and medical formalities.
Two other labourers sustained injuries and were evacuated to the hospital for treatment. Both injured labourers are stated to be out of danger, while the fifth labourer escaped unhurt.
The incident occurred during construction of the road leading to Ralakung village in Zanskar. The road project is being executed by the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, Zanskar.
A rescue operation was launched immediately after the incident. The Zanskar Police team, Army other rescue teams under the supervision of SSP Zanskar coordinated the rescue efforts and evacuation of the affected labourers.
Both deceased labourers were retrieved from beneath the debris and shifted to District Hospital Padum, while the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment. The rescue operation has since been concluded.
Police have taken cognisance of the incident, while further details regarding the circumstances leading to the sudden collapse of the loose soil are awaited.
