Malkangiri: At least two labourers were killed and another injured reportedly in an explosion at a stone quarry at the district headquarters here after lightning struck the spot during a thundershower Monday, police said Tuesday.
Babula Hantal and Ram Samarath of Kadabahal village died on the spot, Malkangiri sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Pratik Singh said.
The injured labourer Jaga Musaki was admitted to the district headquarters hospital. Musaki, writhing in pain, said he could remember only getting a jolt following a deafening sound in the area.
After reports surfaced, the families of the victims demanded compensation for the death of their bread winners.
The explosion took place Monday night when the three labourers were carrying a battery for blasting dynamite at the quarry. Thundershower lashed the area and labourers were struck by lightning.
There was no trace of the bodies immediately after the mishap despite a search operation, but they were traced at a cave on the hill as rescue operation started Tuesday. The two bodies were sent for post-mortem.
Doctors treating the injured labourer said it was a case of lightning strike as there were only injury marks on the front of his body, instead of the back.
Malkangiri police registered a case and started an investigation. The actual reason behind the incident could be ascertained after the post-mortem report of the deceased labourers will be available to us, SP Jagmohan Meena said. PNN