Bhubaneswar: Expressing deep grief over the loss of five lives in collapse of an under-construction culvert in Rayagada district, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia for family members of each of the deceased.
The Chief Minister has also ordered to take strong action against officials responsible for the mishap.
Five persons including four children died after an under-construction culvert suddenly collapsed at Upper Saja village under Kalyansingpur block in Rayagada district on Monday.
The incident took place when they were bathing in the local nullah and accidentally went near the under-construction culvert, which is being constructed by the Rural Development department, sources said.
After getting information, local police and fire service rushed to the spot and worked to clear the debris.
Minister, Law and Tribal Affairs, Jagannath Saraka, Rayagada MLA Makaranda Muduli and Rayagada SP Vivekanand Sharma also visited the spot and took stock of the situation.
Stating it is a very unfortunate incident, the MLA said necessary action against the persons responsible for the mishap need to be taken.