NHT

Canacona, Jun 7: In a tragic incident that occurred on Saturday, two labourers engaged in digging a well were buried alive in mudslide at Val-Agonda in Canacona when the earth suddenly came sliding down.

The names of the deceased labourers are Kamlakar Velip and Sukdo Velip. Two other labourers were rescued by the Canacona fire personnel. Prakash Velip was shifted to Canacona Community Health Centre while Narayan Pagi has been kept alive in an enclosure in the well by the fire personnel even as the rescue operation was on while going to the press. Narayan is buried in mud up to his chest and the enclosure ensures that he does not get buried fully. An excavator is being used to help in the rescue operation.

The labourers, employed by an Agonda resident, had been on the job for the last three days, said sources. Work went on smoothly and they had reached a depth of almost 5-6 feet when at about 5.30 p.m. on Saturday, the top portion of the well gave way killing the two of them.

On hearing the news, people flocked at the spot to have a look at the fateful well. On receiving a call, the Canacona fire personnel rushed to the spot and with the help of ladders and ropes saved the lives of the two labourers. Canacona police also reached the spot and kept people away from the well.