A 50-year-old labourer lost his life after being buried under debris in a mudslide at a road widening site in Gangtok district on January 31, police officials said.
The incident occurred near the Makha outpost, where road widening work was in progress. Officials said a sudden mudslide hit the area, trapping the worker beneath mud and rubble. Rescue efforts were launched immediately using a JCB machine, but the labourer was later pulled out dead from the site.
The deceased has been identified as Harka Bahadur Sanyasi, a resident of Sudunglakha village in the Rhenock area.
Police have alleged serious lapses in safety arrangements at the worksite and pointed fingers at the private company engaged in the project for failing to ensure adequate protective measures for workers.
The body was sent to Singtam District Hospital for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to fix responsibility for the incident, police said.
The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over worker safety at infrastructure project sites in the hill state, especially during road construction and widening works.