Seven workers, including five from Madhya Pradesh, were killed and five others injured after a large granite rock collapsed at a quarry in the Madapatna area of Bengaluru on Thursday, police said.
Officials said one worker each from Chhattisgarh and Karnataka’s Yadgir district also died in the incident. Around 16 workers were present at the site when the accident occurred.
According to police, the incident took place during drilling operations when a massive granite rock reportedly dislodged and fell into the working area. Several vehicles, including a tractor and loading equipment, were crushed under the impact.
Rescue teams carried out a prolonged operation to remove workers trapped under the debris. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals and are stated to be out of danger.
Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar expressed grief over the incident and ordered a probe. He said new safety guidelines for quarry operations would be issued to prevent such accidents in future.
State Minister Priyank Kharge said the incident prima facie indicates negligence, adding that a joint inquiry has been ordered by the Mines and Geology and Home departments.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said the government would examine how permission was granted for the quarry and take action if any lapses are found. He also flagged concerns over illegal mining activities in the state.
Opposition leaders criticised the government over safety standards in quarrying operations. Former Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy alleged the presence of a powerful mining lobby, while Opposition leader R. Ashoka demanded strict action after visiting the injured in hospital.
Officials said the exact cause of the collapse would be known after a detailed investigation.
