New Delhi: Four workers were killed when an under-construction railway underpass collapsed in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district. The incident happened late Tuesday night near Chhatakuli village under Baliapur police station, about 13.4 km from Dhanbad district headquarters. Six workers employed by a private contractor were working on the underpass under construction between Pradhankanta and Sindri rail section. The portion broke after a goods train crossed a nearby track. According to officials, nearby villagers reached the spot and tried to save them, but were unsuccessful.
Railway and administrative officials reached the spot for rescue. Sindri Deputy Superintendent of Police Abhishek Kumar said that all the laborers were residents of the Kulhi village in the Baliapur police station area.
Angry villagers blocked the track and it was removed around 5.30 am, officials said.
Due to the agitation, three trains, including the Dhanbad-Tatanagar Swarna Rekha Express, were cancelled, Dhanbad rail division public relations officer P K Mishra said.
The Railways had announced the diversion of 23 mail and express trains through the mainline via Patna or Gaya. But, it withdrew the order after the blockade was lifted around 5.30 am.
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The locals were requesting compensation of Rs 20 lakh each and occupations in the Railways for the family of the victims.
Divisional commercial manager Akhilesh Pandey said the Railways would guarantee remuneration based on the work regulations.
Pay from the state government will likewise be guaranteed for the relatives, he added.
(With PTI inputs)