Patna metro tunnel collapse results in 2 confirmed deaths; Workers claim 3 fatalities amid rescue delays

A severe accident struck the Patna Metro construction site on Monday night, resulting in the deaths of two workers and injuries to six others. The incident occurred around 10 PM near Patna Science College in the Ashok Rajpath area when seven workers were trapped in an underground tunnel due to a sudden soil collapse. This part of the metro line is under construction between Patna University and the National Institute of Technology (NIT), raising significant safety concerns regarding ongoing excavation work.

Monika Dubey, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), confirmed that the collapse was likely caused by a malfunctioning machine. Initial reports indicate that one worker died at the scene, and among the six injured workers, one later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The deceased has been identified as Shyam Babu, a loco pilot from Odisha, while the identities of the other injured workers are being verified. Medical personnel are actively monitoring the remaining five workers, who have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Workers on site voiced serious concerns over safety protocols, claiming negligence on the part of management. Eyewitness accounts suggest that at the time of the collapse, no supervising officials were present, contributing to a chaotic response during the rescue efforts. Some workers alleged that three individuals, including a loco pilot and a TBM operator, died, which contradicts official reports. This discrepancy has further fueled tensions among the labor force, who expressed outrage over the delayed rescue operations and the apparent lack of emergency preparedness.

Following the incident, a robust police presence was established to maintain order and assist in rescue efforts. Rajeev Mishra, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Patna, confirmed the fatalities and stated that an investigation would be launched to determine the causes of the soil collapse. The inquiry will focus on the adequacy of safety measures, worker supervision, and equipment maintenance. In light of this incident, labor unions and safety advocates are calling for immediate reviews of safety protocols at construction sites across the region. They emphasize that the lives of workers must be prioritized, especially in high-risk environments like underground tunneling.