Labourer dies after 30-ft fall at mill

A 27-year-old labourer was killed and another sustained grievous injuries after they fell from a height of about 30 feet while carrying out painting work at a mill in Ellapalayam near Erode on Thursday evening.

The painting work has been in progress at the mill for the past 20 days. Murali (38) of Thottampatti in Villarasampatti, had taken up the work on contract, and four labourers were engaged in the job.

According to the police, Tamilvanan (27) of Moovendar Nagar in Elavamalai and Murali were painting while standing on a cement sheet at an elevated level when it suddenly gave way under the load. Both fell to the ground, with Tamilvanan reportedly landing inside a chemical tank, suffering severe head injuries.

The injured were rushed to the Government Headquarters Hospital in Erode, where doctors declared Tamilvanan brought dead. Murali is undergoing treatment for serious injuries. Erode North police have registered a case and are investigating. The deceased was unmarried.