Ground collapse in Asansol during pipeline work; 3 workers dead, 1 critical

A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday in Asansol’s Dalmia area when the ground collapsed during the laying of an underground water pipeline under the state's 'Jaljivan Mission' project. The incident, which took place near the rail siding road, resulted in four workers being buried under the rubble. These workers were engaged in a project managed by the Public Works Department (PWD), which involves constructing pipelines for water supply.

The workers were digging a trench to lay the pipeline when the ground above suddenly gave way, trapping them beneath the debris. Local sources confirmed that immediate rescue operations were initiated by fellow workers and local residents, but the collapse was extensive, making it challenging to reach the workers quickly. Efforts using shovels and spades were unsuccessful, and only after the deployment of a JCB machine was the debris cleared enough to recover the workers.

The workers were transported to Asansol District Hospital, where doctors confirmed the deaths of three workers: Razzak Sheikh (22), Rohit Sheikh (18), and Nitesh Paswan (25). A fourth worker, identified as Shyamsul Sheikh, was rescued alive but is in critical condition and receiving treatment. Three of the deceased workers were residents of Pakur district in Jharkhand. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the ground collapse and reviewing the safety measures in place for the ongoing project.