Eight labourers electrocuted after machine touches power line

Eight labourers were electrocuted and five others injured when a road construction machine came into contact with an overhead 11 KV high-tension power line at Chhapoli village in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district on Monday (November 2, 2026). The gravel mixing machine was being used to build a road with public participation.

Chhapoli village is near the Sikar-Neem Ka Thana State Highway and falls under the Udaipurwati police station area. Work on a narrow road connecting Chhapoli to Kadamkund was underway when a hydraulic jack made contact with the power line.

A massive electric current spread through the equipment instantly, striking labourers at the site. Five workers died on the spot, while three others succumbed during treatment. All the deceased were residents of Chhapoli village.

Villagers rushed to the spot and helped in the rescue efforts, as those injured were shifted to the Community Health Centre at Udaipurwati. The incident triggered anger among villagers, who staged a demonstration, alleging negligence by the administration and the power discom.

The protesters said power lines and poles were touching trees and claimed that no staff member was available at the Grid Sub-Station when they called to have the power supply disconnected.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his grief and announced ex-gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh each from the PM’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased person. The injured will receive ₹50,000 each.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has ordered a high-level inquiry into the accident and instructed officials to provide all possible relief to the affected families, besides seeking a factual report from the District Collector. Minister of State for Urban Development Jhabar Singh Kharra has been deputed to visit the accident site.

Veteran Congress leader and former CM Ashok Gehlot said a thorough investigation was essential to determine how the mishap had occurred and fix accountability for the deaths.