16 labourers killed as quarry caves in

Jajpur (Orissa), Nov 14 (PTI) At least 16 labourers were
killed and four others feared trapped after portion of a stone
quarry caved in at Rangi, about 70 km from here.

Sixteen bodies were recovered from the debris which were
being cleared by the fire brigade with the help of local
residents on a war-footing, Inspector in-charge of Sukinda
police station Sriharsha Mishra said.

Four more were believed to be trapped under the debris,
Mishra said adding that the victims were aged between 30 and
45 years.

Eyewitnesses said a large chunk fell on the labourers
while they were working.

Three heavy excavating machines were brought in to speed
up the evacuation work, which would continue till night, he
said.

The cave-in triggered tension in the area with angry
residents holding a demonstration demanding the arrest of
tehsil officials and contractors, while the families of the
victims asked for compensation.

In the wake of the mounting tensions, additional police
personnel have been deployed in the area and senior officials
have rushed to the spot. PTI cor
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