Five MP labourers killed in Karnataka quarry:Seven workers die after massive rock collapse, families to receive ₹10 lakh each

At least seven workers, including five from Madhya Pradesh, were killed and five others seriously injured after a massive granite rock collapsed at a quarry in Madapattana near Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Thursday. The deceased also include one worker from Chhattisgarh and another from Yadgir district in Karnataka. Police launched a rescue operation immediately after the accident and pulled the victims from the debris. Several workers suffered severe head, arm and leg injuries after being struck by the falling rock. The injured have been admitted to different hospitals for treatment. Rock slipped during quarry operations According to DIG (Central Range) S. Girish, two stone crushers were operating at different levels of the granite quarry—one at the upper section and another below. Around 16 workers were on duty when drilling operations were underway on the upper level. During the work, a massive granite boulder suddenly slipped and crashed onto the lower section of the quarry, where several workers were working. Seven workers died on the spot after being crushed beneath the rock. Five victims were from Madhya Pradesh Police confirmed that five of the seven deceased workers were residents of Madhya Pradesh, while one each belonged to Chhattisgarh and Karnataka’s Yadgir district. Initial reports had suggested that some of the victims were from Bihar, but police later clarified that the majority were from Madhya Pradesh. Five injured, all out of danger The five injured workers were rushed to nearby hospitals. DIG S. Girish said all the injured are undergoing treatment and are currently reported to be out of danger. Doctors are continuously monitoring their condition. Four workers escaped unhurt Of the 16 workers present at the quarry when the accident occurred, seven died, five were injured, and four escaped unharmed. Police are recording the statements of the survivors to determine the exact cause of the accident. Eyewitnesses describe horrific scene Eyewitnesses described the accident as devastating. The massive granite boulder completely crushed loading vehicles inside the quarry, while a tractor was shattered into several pieces. The collapse triggered panic across the quarry, with rescue teams working for hours to recover workers trapped beneath the debris. At hospitals and the quarry site, grieving family members of the victims were seen mourning the loss of their loved ones. For several families, the tragedy has left them without their primary breadwinner. Victim had moved for work to repay family debt A relative of one of the deceased workers from Yadgir district said the family had moved to Bengaluru to work as labourers to repay debts incurred during their daughters’ marriages. With the death of the family’s sole earning member, they have appealed to the government for adequate compensation and rehabilitation support. Quarry owner announces compensation Rangappa, an official from the Department of Mines and Geology, said the quarry owner has agreed to provide: Chief Minister orders detailed investigation Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed deep grief over the tragedy and ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. He said the government would issue fresh safety guidelines for quarry operations across the state to prevent similar accidents in the future. According to the preliminary assessment, the accident was caused not by blasting but by the sudden movement of a large rock or a landslide. However, the exact cause will be established only after the investigation is completed. The Chief Minister assured compensation for the victims’ families, while stressing that preventing such incidents in the future remains the government’s priority. Minister says, ‘Prima facie case of negligence’ State Minister Priyank Kharge said the incident appeared, at first glance, to involve negligence. He said the Departments of Mines and Geology and Home Affairs are jointly investigating the case. If negligence is established at any level, strict action will be taken against those responsible. Deputy Chief Minister orders probe into official accountability Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara directed officials to investigate how permission for operating the quarry had been granted and which officials had approved it. He said if officials from the Revenue Department, Mining Department or any other government agency are found responsible, immediate action will be taken against them. He also expressed concern over illegal mining activities in the state. Opposition targets state government Following the accident, opposition leaders criticised the Karnataka government over alleged lapses in mine safety. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy alleged that a powerful mining lobby in the state prioritises profits over workers’ safety. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka accused the government of failing to enforce safety standards at mining sites. He visited the injured workers in hospital and demanded strict action against those responsible.