What Happened in the Rockslide at TN Quarry?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A catastrophic rockslide in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district has left five workers dead and one trapped, sparking serious concerns about safety protocols in quarry operations. Rescue efforts continue as investigations into the incident begin.
Key Takeaways
- Five workers lost their lives in a tragic rockslide incident.
- One worker remains trapped, with rescue efforts ongoing.
- The explosion was followed by heavy rainfall, raising safety concerns.
- Authorities are investigating the proper adherence to safety protocols.
- Compensation for the victims' families is anticipated from the state government.
Chennai, May 20 (NationPress) A tragic rockslide at a stone quarry in Mallakottai, situated near Singampunari in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, resulted in the deaths of five workers, with one more still trapped under the rubble. The incident took place after a controlled explosion at the site, according to police reports.
During routine operations, the explosion triggered a sudden rockslide, burying six workers beneath large boulders and debris. Two of the victims died instantly, while two others succumbed to their injuries en route to a hospital in Madurai. The fifth worker, who was admitted to a private facility in Madurai, passed away during treatment.
The deceased have been identified as M. Muruganandam (49) from Odaipatti, M. Arumugam (53) and M. Andichammy (50) from Keelavazhavu in Madurai, C. Ganesan (49) from Kuzhicheevalpatti, and K. Michael (47) from Thoothukudi district.
Rescue teams reported that one worker, B. Arshit (28), a migrant laborer from Odisha, remains trapped under the debris. Efforts to locate and safely extract him are ongoing, with fire and rescue services deployed at the site. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is set to join the rescue efforts to accelerate operations.
K.R. Periakaruppan, the Tamil Nadu Minister for Cooperation, visited the site on Tuesday to oversee the ongoing rescue operations. He informed reporters that initial rescue attempts were hampered as other quarry workers fled the scene in fear after the explosion.
The minister also highlighted that heavy rainfall in the region over the past two days likely weakened the rock formations, and the explosion might have destabilized the area, leading to the rockslide.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, evaluating whether safety protocols were correctly implemented at the quarry. The state government is anticipated to announce compensation for the families of the deceased following a comprehensive assessment of the incident.
This tragic event has raised significant concerns regarding safety measures at quarry sites, particularly in regions vulnerable to landslides and heavy rainfall.
Point of View
It is imperative to address the ongoing safety concerns in quarry operations. The loss of lives underscores the need for strict adherence to safety protocols, particularly in regions prone to landslides. We must ensure that such tragedies do not recur, advocating for better regulations and safety measures to protect workers.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the rockslide in Tamil Nadu?
The rockslide was triggered by a controlled blast at the quarry, exacerbated by heavy rainfall that likely weakened the rock formations.
How many workers were affected by the rockslide?
Five workers were killed, and one remained trapped under the debris following the incident.
What are the safety measures being investigated?
Authorities are assessing whether proper safety protocols were followed at the quarry site prior to the explosion.
Is there any compensation for the victims’ families?
The state government is expected to announce compensation for the families of the deceased after a thorough evaluation of the incident.
What is being done for the trapped worker?
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force, are actively working to locate and safely extract the trapped worker.
