News has emerged of a well collapse in Ajaygarh Janpad of Panna district. Here, the soil suddenly caved in during digging work on a field. Five labourers were trapped under the debris. So far, the bodies of three labourers have been recovered, while efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining two workers.
The accident took place at around 10 am on Tuesday in Nayapurwa village of Biharpurwa area. Family members alleged that more than three hours had passed since the incident, but no rescue operation had been started by the administration. Villagers themselves arranged a JCB machine and began efforts to pull the labourers out. It is being reported that four of the victims belong to the same family.
See pictures of the rescue after the accident
Villagers called for a JCB and are trying to remove the soil themselves.
2 laborers came out to drink water and the well collapsed from behind
According to information, seven laborers had been working for about 10 days digging a well on the farm of Binnu Ahirwar, a resident of Nayapurwa.
Around 12 PM, two laborers had just come out of the well to drink water. As soon as they reached the top, the weak and wet soil of the well suddenly collapsed.
In the accident, Chunnu Yadav, Rajkumar Yadav, Ashish Yadav, Chunwad Pal, and one other laborer were trapped. Villagers have recovered the bodies of laborers Rajkumar Yadav, Chunwad Pal, and one other without the help of the administration.
Family members allege that more than 3 hours have passed since the accident, and no rescue operation has been started by the administration.
Sarpanch got the work done despite knowing it was dangerous
The family members of the deceased laborer tearfully stated that this well was already eroded and dangerous due to last year’s excavation and water. No laborer was willing to work there. It is alleged that despite this, the village head forcibly continued the work.
Villagers also reached the accident site.
Lure of 500 rupees daily wage instead of 350
The family alleges that the Sarpanch already knew there was a risk to life here. Therefore, to call the laborers, he offered a daily wage of 500 rupees, increased from the normal wage (350 rupees). Poor laborers went to work out of financial compulsion and became victims of the accident.
The body of laborer Rajkumar Yadav has been pulled out from the debris.
Three people from the same family
The 3 people who fell victim to the accident are from the same family. According to the young man, among the 5 people trapped in the debris of the well are his father, uncle, cousin, and a ‘Pal’ (laborer/companion).
Sarpanch absconding, government machinery absent
Family members stated that people have been trapped since 11 AM, but no rescue team from the government arrived until 1 PM. Only privately arranged machines are working. The young man alleged that as soon as the accident happened, the Sarpanch fled the scene.
Plea for justice from the Chief Minister
With folded hands and weeping, the family members appealed to the Chief Minister for justice. He said – there is complete corruption here. Our voice should reach the Chief Minister, so that strict action is taken against the culprits and our loved ones can be rescued. Currently, another body, that of Chunwad Pal, has been recovered from the scene.
