2 labourers die in wall collapse

PURI: Two workers, including a woman, died and two sustained serious injuries when a wall caved in while they were working on Tuesday morning.The workers were engaged in digging earth for a drain in Srikshatra colony of the city when the mishap occurred. Sources said the workers were eight feet below the ground when a wall in the adjoining area caved in and fell on them.Although fire fighters rushed to rescue them, K Purna (40) of Penkota and Chhabi (35) of Niali had already died. The two other injured workers were admitted to the district headquarters hospital in a critical condition.The District Magistrate had announced an ex gratia Rs 10,000 each to the kin of the deceased and ` 5,000 each for the injured.Laying of new drains was being carried out by the Drainage Department. Police have registered a case. Locals, meanwhile, have demanded action against the contractor and engineer of the project.