Quarry Accident – Karnataka Government Awaits Report After Seven Workers Die
Quarry Accident – Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Thursday that the state government will decide on the next course of action in the quarry collapse case after receiving a detailed report from concerned departments. Seven workers were killed when a large boulder gave way at the site.
The Chief Minister said financial assistance for the families of those who died would also be determined after the government reviews the report. He added that quarry operators have already been instructed to provide compensation to the victims’ families.
Inquiry Focuses on Quarry Operations and Safety Standards
Officials are investigating whether the quarry was operating with valid permissions and whether mandatory safety measures were being followed at the time of the accident. The inquiry is also expected to examine possible lapses by the operators and other parties responsible for supervising the site.
Police personnel and officials from the Department of Mines and Geology have inspected the quarry following the incident. According to preliminary findings, the boulder collapse was not linked to any blasting activity.
The government has said it will rely on the official assessment before taking further administrative or legal decisions. Shivakumar stated that violations of quarrying rules, if established during the investigation, could lead to strict action.
FIRs May Be Filed if Violations Are Confirmed
The Chief Minister said criminal cases, including First Information Reports, would be registered against those found to have breached safety regulations or other legal requirements. He said the government would not overlook any negligence that may have contributed to the deaths.
Authorities are expected to review the quarry’s approvals, safety procedures, labour conditions and compliance with mining regulations. The investigation may also determine whether inspections were carried out regularly and whether workers had adequate protection at the site.
Shivakumar later visited the injured workers receiving treatment at a hospital. He reviewed their condition and said the government would take necessary steps to support those affected by the accident.
Government Responds to Earlier Leopard Death Allegation
During his interaction with reporters, Shivakumar was also asked about an allegation raised by Yeshwanthpur MLA ST Somashekar. The MLA had claimed that a leopard died in an explosion at the same quarry some time ago and that the matter was not properly investigated.
The Chief Minister said the allegation had been brought to the government’s notice. However, he said he would respond only after receiving an official report on the matter.
Shivakumar said the state government would work to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of the current investigation is likely to determine whether additional safety checks, enforcement measures or action against quarry operators will follow.