In what can be termed as one of the most tragic events recently, 11 workers have been injured in an accident that occurred today afternoon at the Devas Water Project (Phase -2) site, when a lift descending towards the work area plunged 35 meters downward to the ground.

One person has died in the accident while another is in a critical state. All injured have multiple fractures and bruises and have been admitted to M.B Hospital where they are receiving treatment.

45-year-old Harjinder Pal from Haryana, who was the Assistant-in-Charge, died soon after being admitted to hospital. Pokhar Singh, another victim, is said to be in a critical condition as he received severe injuries on the head and face.

According to Shankarlal Damor of the Forest Conservation Committee, Dodavali, a group of 15 workers were descending in a lift to commence work in the afternoon shift at the Madri Damar Mala site. They needed to descend 45 meters though after around 15 meters, the lift shaft broke. The workers tried to apply the brakes but this did not work. The lift plummeted 25 meters injuring all of them seriously.

They were rescued through a trolley exit to Dodavali and were rushed to M.B Hospital by 5:30pm.

All top officials including Hemant Gera, District Collector, T.C Damor, I.G. Udaipur Range and Dinesh Tarwadi, Vice President of State Schedule Caste Commission visited the hospital and enquired about the well being of the victims.

An Assistant Supervisor at the site expressed his concerns to Collector, Hemant Gera on the shaft breaking, though it was replaced recently.

Report by Sohail Khan and Sayeed Ahmed