Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, May 22: A 25-year-old labourer from Koppal was killed after a portion of soil caved in during well-digging work at Garadimajalu in Kodavoor on Thursday, while another worker continues to remain trapped beneath the debris as rescue operations intensify.

The deceased has been identified as Ramesh (25), who had reportedly come from Karkala along with five other co-workers for excavation work under the contract of Prabhath Shetty of Karkala.

The incident occurred when earth suddenly gave way at the site during well excavation, triggering a collapse and trapping the workers under a mound of soil.

On receiving information about the mishap, personnel from the fire and emergency services, along with police, rushed to the spot and launched an emergency rescue operation.

Rescue teams later recovered the body of Ramesh from beneath the collapsed soil. Efforts are still under way to trace and rescue the second worker, who is believed to remain trapped under the debris.

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna also visited the site as rescue operations continued late into the day.