2 November 2026,
Monday
2 November 2026,
Monday
Jhunjhunu: A major accident occurred during road construction at Chhapoli village in Udaipurwati area of Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district. A machine used for mixing gravel, which was working on the Kadam Kund road, suddenly came in contact with an 11,000-volt high-tension power line passing overhead. As current spread through the machine, the workers there were caught in it. The accident took place on the Chhapoli–Kadam Kund road, about 150 metres from the Sikar–Neem Ka Thana state highway.
Eight workers died on the spot, while five others were seriously burnt. The injured were immediately admitted to the nearby Udaipurwati Community Health Centre (CHC), where the condition of some is said to be critical. The death of eight workers at once has left the whole area in mourning. On receiving news of the accident, a large number of villagers gathered at the spot, creating a chaotic situation.
Police and administration teams reached the spot and began bringing the situation under control. Udaipurwati SHO Rampal said a machine engaged in mixing gravel had come in contact with the high-tension power line passing overhead. Current ran through the machine and the workers there were caught in it. After the accident, villagers began a dharna (sit-in).
Villagers Say Phone Call Was Made to Cut Power, but No Staff Found at Grid Substation
Villagers have accused the administration and the power department of negligence. They say the power poles and the line are in contact with trees. A phone call was made to get the line switched off, but no employee was present at the grid substation (GSS). The wire of the high-tension line came in contact with the hydraulic jack of the gravel-mixing machine. Current spread through the machine and the workers there were caught in it.
Pramod Saini, a resident of Chhapoli, demanded that dependants of the deceased be given contractual jobs and that the family of each deceased receive Rs 2 crore as compensation. He said that after this, compensation should be given as the village committee decides.
Following the villagers' dharna and protest, Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) personnel have been deployed in the village along with Udaipurwati police.
Injured Gidaram Saini said all of them were working at Chhapoli. The machine was being pushed to be moved to another place. During this, the machine came in contact with the electric wire passing overhead and current spread. About 12 to 13 people were present at the spot at the time of the accident.
The Eight Workers Who Died
Former Minister: Not a Matter for Politics
Former minister Rajendra Singh Gudha said, “One member of each deceased person's family should be given a government job. This is not an issue for politics. This is the time to stand with the affected people. We should look at how they can be rehabilitated. The collector should come here and assure the families.”
MLA Bhagwanaram Saini and DSP Sugan Singh also reached the spot.
The Five Injured
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma wrote on X: “The news of the untimely death of workers due to electrocution in the accident in Jhunjhunu is sad. Officials concerned have been directed to ensure proper treatment of the injured, to provide all possible immediate help to the affected families, and to investigate the incident. I pray to God to grant the departed souls a place at His feet, a speedy recovery to the injured, and strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense grief. Om Shanti!”
Former CM Ashok Gehlot Expresses Grief
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot wrote on X: “The painful death of several workers due to electrocution at Chhapoli in Udaipurwati, Jhunjhunu, is extremely sad and poignant. It is necessary to investigate how this accident, which occurred during road construction, happened and who is responsible for these deaths. I am distressed thinking about what the families who have lost their loved ones in this accident must be going through. The government should ensure fair compensation and all possible help for the families of the deceased. May God grant the departed souls a place at His feet and give the bereaved families strength to bear this unbearable grief.”
PM Modi Expresses Grief, Announces Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: “Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.”
