Reprasentational Image (Image: Internet)
Bengaluru: A major accident was reported early Thursday morning at a stone crusher quarry in South Bengaluru, where a large section of rock suddenly gave way, trapping several workers under heavy debris. Officials said multiple casualties are feared, though confirmation is still awaited.
The incident took place around 6:30 am at the Kaveri Company quarry located near Madapatna village in Bengaluru South taluk, where routine mining operations were underway.
Preliminary reports suggest that excavation work was in progress in the upper portion of the quarry when a massive rock formation broke loose and slid downward. Workers engaged at the lower level were caught off guard as the debris crashed onto them within seconds.
Authorities believe that the collapse occurred while machinery, including an excavator, was being used at the site, triggering instability in the hillside.
An excavator operator present at the site said the incident unfolded within moments of starting work. He recalled that the hillside suddenly gave way without warning, leaving little time for workers to react or escape.
Initial estimates suggest that more than a dozen workers were present at the time of the collapse. Some injured labourers were pulled out and taken to hospital, while several others remain unaccounted for.
Police and emergency response teams quickly reached the quarry and launched rescue operations. Heavy machinery has been deployed to remove large rock fragments as teams search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
Officials suspect that at least seven workers may have lost their lives, while several others are believed to be buried under debris. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the scale of the disaster.
Despite early estimates, officials have not yet released an official death toll. The exact cause of the collapse is also under investigation, with police and mining authorities inspecting the site to determine whether safety lapses contributed to the incident.
