Bhubaneswar, May 8: At least two labourers were killed and four others injured when brick wall fell on them while they were working at a drainage construction site on Water Works Road, about five kilometres from the Jagannath temple there.

The incident took place around 10am when 15 daily labourers engaged by a private contractor were working on the drainage channel.

The brick wall, 60 feet long and 6 feet high, collapsed on the labourers. Fire officials rushed to the spot and recovered one dead body.

The four injured persons were immediately sent to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital. Sources said the conditions of two among them were critical whereas the two others were discharged after first aid.

The deceased were identified as Chabi Das of Niali and K. Purnima of Puri. Police sources said the wall collapsed as the dug up portion of the drainage channel had weakened the base of the boundary wall. “We have initiated an inquiry into the incident and will soon submit a detailed report before the district magistrate,” said a senior police officer of Sea Beach police station.

Local residents, however, blamed inadequate safety measures for the incident. “Had they put on helmets, they could have saved,” said an eyewitness.