Worker killed in hill collapse during alleged illegal earth cutting in Cox's Bazar
Locals say a similar incident occurred in the same area about two years ago, when another worker was killed after being buried under soil during illegal hill cutting
A worker was killed today (9 January) after being buried under soil during alleged illegal hill cutting in the South Sonaichhari area of Jaliapalong union in Cox's Bazar's Ukhiya upazila.
The deceased was identified as Nurul Amin, 30, son of Mir Ahmed of Jummapara in the same union.
Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nur Ahmed said a police team visited the spot after receiving information about the incident.
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"The body of the worker was recovered from a location some distance away from the site. Signs of soil cutting were found at the scene," he said.
However, the OC added that it would be confirmed after investigation whether the death was caused by soil collapse during hill cutting or due to other reasons.
Police are collecting information to identify those involved in the illegal hill cutting, and preparations are underway to file a case against the responsible persons under relevant laws, he added.
The body was sent to Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.
Local residents said an organised group has been illegally cutting hills in the South Sonaichhari area for a long time and selling soil. In the early hours today, workers hired by the group were cutting soil from a hill when a large portion suddenly collapsed, burying Nurul Amin under the debris.
Other workers present at the site fled in panic following the incident, locals said.
Later, residents rushed to the spot and began rescue efforts by removing the soil. After prolonged efforts, Nurul Amin's body was recovered.
Locals also said a similar incident occurred in the same area about two years ago, when another worker was killed after being buried under soil during illegal hill cutting.
