Two workers were killed after a landslip at the construction site in Yercaud here on Monday evening.
The incident took place around 5 pm when A. Dinesh (26) and R. Balamurugan (24), both from Manjakuttai in Yercaud, with five other workers were levelling the ground for construction of a hotel opposite the Block Development Office in Yercaud.
When the workers were busy, a portion of the earth caved in, burying two of them. The other workers escaped. Fire and Rescue Services personnel retrieved the bodies. The bodies were taken to the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital.
Senior police officials and revenue officials inspected the spot and held inquiries. According to preliminary inquiry heavy rain in the last two days and soil dampness were reasons for the landslip. A detailed inquiry was on, officials said.
Alleging that the building was constructed in violation of the norms, villagers and relatives of the victims blocked the road. They demanded action against the Tahsildar and the Block Development Officer for permitting the construction, .
When two officials visited the spot, the villagers besieged them. Later, Salem Rural ASP Sujeeth Kumar pacified them. But villagers insisted that the land owner and the BDO visit the spot and a case be registered against the BDO and the Tahsildar.
They refused to allow the bodies to be taken for postmortem. However, Mr. Sujeeth assured them that action would be taken against the violators.
The bodies were then taken to Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital.
