The site in the stone quarry at which at least five people were killed during a rockslide at Mallakottai of Sivaganga district on May 20, 2025. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

 

Five workers were killed in a stone quarry located at Mallakottai near Singampunari in Sivaganga district during a rockslide that was caused by a blast on Tuesday (May 20, 2025). One other worker remained trapped under the debris. The six workers were at the site during the incident, police said.

While two of the victims died on the spot, two others succumbed while being transported to a hospital in Madurai. Another victim, who was admitted to a private hospital in Madurai, died while undergoing treatment.

The deceased men were identified as M. Muruganandam, 49, of Odaipatti; M. Arumugam, 53 and M. Andichammy, 50 of Keelavazhavu in Madurai; C. Ganesan, 49, of Kuzhiceehvalpatti; and K. Michael, 47, of Thoothukudi.

Police said a migrant worker B. Arshit, 28, hailing from Odisha, was caught beneath the rocks and efforts were on to rescue him.

While fire and rescue services personnel were at the spot, a team from the National Disaster Response Force may arrive at the location to expedite the rescue operation.

Tamil Nadu Minister of Cooperation K.R. Periakaruppan, who visited the blast site, told journalists that the rescue operations were initially delayed as other workers had fled after the accident.

The heavy downpour over the past two days is believed to have loosened the rocks and the explosion led to further destruction, he added.