Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced compensation of Rs $5 lakh each to the families of the three workers killed in a landslide at a road construction site at Holikal Ghat in Hosanagara taluk on Thursday.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of three workers when the soil collapsed while constructing a road embankment at a bend at Holikal Ghat, in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district. I pray that the souls of the unfortunate deceased workers find eternal peace, and that their family members find the strength to bear this grief,” Siddaramaiah said.
He added that he spoke with the minister responsible for the region, Madhu Bangarappa, and learned the details of the incident.
The landslide occurred in the late afternoon at a sharp bend at Holikal Ghat, where workers were working on building a retaining wall. A mass of soil and rock collapsed from the hillside onto the site, trapping seven workers.
Three workers – Raghavendra (37), Raju (30) and Shabir (40) – died on the spot after being buried under the rubble.
This stretch is known for its steep curves and landslide-prone terrain, and the retaining wall has been built to improve vehicle safety, officials said. The sudden collapse of soil and rock from the upper slope may have caused the landslide.
A case has been recorded, and an investigation is underway to determine whether adequate safety measures are in place at the work site.
