Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 05 2009:
At least two women workers of NREGS died while three others were critically wounded when the steps of a local pond which the workers were digging collapsed today around 7 am at Lukhambi village located some six kilometers south of Kumbi Police Station.
The two deceased women were identified as Ningthoujam ongbi Neipi (30), wife of N joy, Lukhambi village and Wainimle Kom (55), wife of Shonglengmang of the same village.
They succumbed to their injuries on their heads and spinal cords.
Neipi died on the spot while Wainimle died on the way to hospital.
The other three injured persons were Momo Mangte (19), son of Lankhaichung, Chongboi Duelian (22), wife of Nethatlin and Poukai Kom (55), son of late Chaoba.
All hailed from Lukhambi village.
As related by Lalthang, chairman of the village authority, the digging of the public pond was started from May 20 last by around 53 villagers under the work progamme of the NREGS at a place where there is a well for perennial water supply to the village.
While the earth from the surrounding space of the well was being taken out during the digging, all of a sudden the steps of the well collapsed and hit the workers who were down inside the well.
The wounded persons were immediately pulled out of the collapsed earth and taken to hospital even though one woman died on the spot but one of the injured women died on the way to hospital.