UP: Temple demolished as part of road-widening project Chandauli; PWD worker dies after dome collapses

A tragic accident occurred late Friday night, July 9, in the Mughalsarai Kotwali area of Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh during road-widening work. An ancient Lord Kali temple was being demolished as part of the Mughalsarai-Padav road widening project. However, the temple's massive dome suddenly collapsed, resulting in the death of a Public Works Department (PWD) worker, while another person was reported to be seriously injured. As per the reports, chaos and panic broke out at the scene following the incident, after which the administration immediately launched relief and rescue operations.

 

Temple was being demolished as a part of the road widening project (Image- patrika.com) 

The deceased has been identified as 58-year-old Jhumri alias Baldev, a resident of Padav Dandi. It is reported that Baldev was holding a rope during the demolition work when the dome suddenly lost balance and came crashing down rapidly. Eyewitnesses cited in local reports said the dome first hit the bulldozer's bucket as it fell, then crashed onto the road, pinning Baldev beneath it. The force of the collision left him and one other with critical injuries.

 

 

 

Officials, workers, and residents at the scene immediately rushed Baldev and the other injured man to the hospital. Treatment continued through the night, but doctors ultimately declared Baldev dead, while the second victim remains hospitalized in critical condition. The accident triggered a brief panic at the demolition site, prompting the administration to suspend work immediately as a safety precaution. Officials on site also barricaded the entire area to guard against any further mishap.