A fatal accident at a granite quarry in Namakkal district resulted in the death of a labourer and left the truck driver with severe injuries on Wednesday. The incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols and potential irregularities at the quarry site.
Tragic Details of the Quarry Accident
The accident occurred in Periyasoorampalayam in Namakkal district. A truck, heavily loaded with quarry dust, was attempting to climb the steep exit road from the deep quarry. At approximately 400 feet deep, the granite quarry presents a significant hazard. According to police reports, the driver, 36-year-old S Venugopal from Dharmapuri district, lost control of the vehicle just as it was nearing the top of the incline.
The truck then tragically rolled back and plunged into the vast pit. M Subramani, a 65-year-old labourer hailing from Karnataka, who was in or near the truck, died instantly at the scene. Venugopal, the driver, sustained grave injuries in the horrific fall.
Immediate Aftermath and Police Investigation
Officers from the Nallur police station swiftly responded to the scene. "Subramani died on the spot, and Venugopal suffered serious injuries," confirmed a police officer. The injured driver was rushed from the site for advanced medical care and was admitted to a private hospital in Coimbatore.
Police have officially registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the driver losing control. The focus is on determining whether mechanical failure, human error, or road conditions contributed to the tragedy.
Quarry Operations Under Scrutiny
The quarry where the accident took place has been operated for several years by Mayilvaganam and Murugesan of Salem. In light of the fatal incident, revenue department officials have launched a parallel probe. Their investigation aims to verify if stone extraction at the site has been conducted strictly within the depth limits permitted by the government or if there have been any violations and irregularities.
This tragic event highlights the perilous working conditions often faced by labourers in the mining and quarrying sector. It underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such devastating losses of life in the future.
