Bhubaneswar: A contract labourer died, and another sustained injuries during debris clearance work at Kantabanji railway station in Balangir district on Thursday.
The incident occurred near the station’s circulating area when a wall collapsed during debris clearance operations carried out by a private contractor using an excavator machine. The collapse claimed the life of 56-year-old Umesh Rishidev, while another labourer is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
“Prompt rescue operations were carried out, and an inquiry was initiated to determine the cause of the incident.

Preventive measures are being reinforced to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future,” said an official statement from the East Coast Railway (ECoR).
ECoR has directed the contractor responsible for the work to provide necessary ex-gratia and financial support to the deceased’s next of kin, adhering to contractual obligations and welfare provisions.
“A thorough review of safety protocols and on-ground practices is being undertaken to ensure the same at all work sites,” said ECoR.