Bengaluru: The death toll in the stone quarry collapse near Madapatna village in Bengaluru South taluk rose to seven, with five injured workers continuing to undergo treatment at Rajarajeshwari Hospital.
The victims, most of whom were migrant workers from Bihar, were trapped after a massive rock collapsed at the Cauvery Crusher quarry during quarrying operations on Tuesday morning.
Yeshwanthpur MLA S.T. Somashekar demanded stringent action against those responsible for the tragedy, alleging that officials had ignored earlier warnings about safety violations.
“I had alerted the authorities earlier. A case should be registered against the concerned police and forest department officials, and those responsible for the incident must be arrested immediately,” Somashekar said.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr G. Parameshwara expressed grief over the loss of lives and said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered into the incident.
He said officials had been directed to ascertain whether any illegal quarrying activities or lapses in safety norms had contributed to the collapse. “If negligence on the part of any department is established, strict action will be taken,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
Police and district authorities are continuing their investigation, while the condition of some of the injured workers remains critical.
