A devastating incident unfolded at Thattathimukku, near Chithirapuram in Munnar, Idukki, claiming the lives of two construction workers. The tragedy occurred when the compound wall of an under-construction resort building collapsed on Wednesday, burying them under earth and debris. The victims have been identified as K.R. Rajeev, 40, from Anachal, and Benny, 49, from Bison Valley.
Police reports indicate that the collapse happened around 4 p.m. as work was progressing on an approximately 20-foot-high retaining wall. During the construction, a section of earth suddenly caved in, trapping the workers beneath. A joint rescue effort involving Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police, and local residents was launched, but despite their tireless search, both men could not be saved.
Following the recovery of their bodies, they were transported to Adimaly Taluk Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Further details emerged from Munnar special tahsildar Gayathri P.V., who stated that the 36-cent plot of land is owned by Sherin Anila Joseph of Kumbalangi. Critically, the Revenue department had issued a stop-work order for the resort construction back in January. The village officer had subsequently closed the building and handed its keys to the Devikulam Subcollector. However, the resort owner allegedly ignored this directive and continued construction, directly leading to this fatal accident. Ms. Gayathri confirmed that the Vellathooval Station House officer has been instructed to file a criminal case against the resort owners in light of these violations.