6 die as rocks collapse at quarry in Ibri

STAFF REPORTER

MUSCAT, MARCH 27

Six people died, while several others were rescued following the collapse of rocks at a worksite (quarry) in the Al Aridh area of the Wilayat of Ibri.

In a statement, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) said the search for missing people under the debris was under way as rockslides were hampering the operations. It added that four people were treated for moderate to critical injuries.

According to local sources, there were 55 workers at the accident site, where excavation work was going on to extract marbles. Initially, CDAA said that five people lost lives, but the toll climbed to six by evening.

Residents in the area and industry experts say that such incidents happen because the contracting companies neglect occupational safety at work sites, while companies responsible for the project do not take action at appropriate time against violators.