8 Labourers from Bihar Killed in Massive Boulder Collapse; CM Samrat Choudhary Expresses Deep Grief
Bengaluru/Patna: A horrific industrial accident occurred in Madapattana village, located on the outskirts of Karnataka’s capital, Bengaluru. On Thursday morning (July 2, 2026), a massive granite boulder collapsed at the Cauvery Crusher stone quarry, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight labourers. Most of the deceased were from Bihar, having migrated to Karnataka in search of a better livelihood.
Details of the Incident
According to the information received, about 18 labourers were working regularly at the quarry at around 7:30 AM on Thursday morning. Suddenly, a massive block of granite, estimated to have fallen from a height of about 40 feet, crushed the workers operating below. The accident was so catastrophic that the labourers had no chance to escape. Several loading vehicles and tractors were also completely destroyed in the incident.
Death Toll: According to official reports, the death of 8 labourers has been confirmed so far.
Injured: Several other labourers sustained serious injuries in the accident and have been admitted to nearby private hospitals.
Rescue Operation: Upon receiving the information, police and State Disaster Management teams rushed to the site. A rescue operation was launched to clear the debris and search for any other individuals trapped beneath it.
Political Response and Accountability
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary have expressed deep grief over this tragic event.
Karnataka Deputy CM: D.K. Shivakumar stated that the government is conducting an in-depth investigation into the matter. He asserted that it is the quarry owners' duty to ensure the safety of their workers and warned that strict legal action would be taken against those found violating safety regulations.
Bihar CM: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary described the incident as extremely tragic. He prayed for the peace of the departed souls and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He has directed Bihar government officials to coordinate with the Karnataka administration to ensure the mortal remains of the deceased are brought home and that every possible assistance is provided to the grieving families.
Allegations of Illegal Mining
Local MLA S.T. Somashekar has levelled serious allegations of illegal mining at the quarry. He claimed that he had complained about illegal activities at this site multiple times in the past, but the concerned officials had ignored them. He has demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged collusion between the police, the Forest Department, and the Mining Department.
Currently, the police have detained the quarry owner, Anandaswamy, and have initiated an investigation into the matter. This accident has once again brought to light critical issues such as the disregard for safety standards in quarries and corruption. The administration has sealed the quarry for the time being in the interest of safety.
