Storage bunker crashes at open cast project in Manuguru
Two coal workers of the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) were killed when a coal storage bunker crashed on them at the open cast project in Manuguru on Tuesday.
The deceased were identified as Pavan, 31, general mazdoor, and Raghupal Reddy, 32, badili filler, of the Singareni Collieries Company Limited .
The two were engaged in work related to transfer of coal from the bunker to a stationary tipper when the coal storage bunker caved in, killing them on the spot, sources said.
The tipper parked at the coal loading point was also damaged in the accident.
Transferred recently
One of the deceased workers had been transferred from Ramagundam region to the Manuguru region a few days earlier, sources added.
The incident evoked flak from local trade union leaders who blamed it on alleged hasty erection of the bunker at the opencast mine recently with the “sole focus” on stepping up coal production.
The Singareni Collieries Company Limited sources, however, maintained that the coal storage bunker had been erected in strict adherence to quality and safety parameters a few months ago.
Compensation
Meanwhile, Singareni Collieries Company Limited Manuguru Chief General Manager M Mallesham and other senior officials visited the accident site and initiated a detailed inquiry into the accident.
The officials assured that a compensation of Rs 20 lakh each apart from requisite financial assistance would be provided to the bereaved families.
