Agartala, April 2025 — A tragic workplace accident rocked the outskirts of Tripura’s capital on Tuesday, claiming the lives of two workers and leaving two others critically injured after a massive tree collapsed during a routine construction activity. The incident occurred near the Gandhigram area, approximately 12 km from Agartala, sparking shock and grief among locals and labor unions.
According to eyewitnesses and local police officials, the workers were engaged in clearing and leveling land for a private development project when the decades-old tree, weakened by recent storms and possibly poor maintenance, suddenly gave way, crashing down on the unsuspecting laborers.
The Victims
The deceased have been identified as Ratan Debbarma (35) and Subhash Bhowmik (38), both residents of West Tripura district. They were declared dead on arrival at GBP Hospital in Agartala. Two others — Anil Das (32) and Rahul Sutradhar (30) — sustained severe injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Doctors reported that while one of the injured suffered multiple fractures, the other had head trauma but is currently stable. Medical teams are keeping a close watch on their condition.
Family members of the victims rushed to the hospital after receiving the news and demanded strict action against those responsible for what they termed a “preventable tragedy.”
How the Incident Happened
Initial investigations by the West Tripura District Police indicate that the workers were not provided with adequate safety equipment or supervision at the time of the incident. The massive tree — estimated to be over 40 feet tall — was marked for removal, but no professional arborist or safety protocol was engaged before the clearing work began.
“It appears the tree had a weak base due to internal rot and recent rains,” said a police official on-site. “But no support structures or safety barriers were put in place before workers began operations around it. It fell without warning.”
A team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was called in to assist with the rescue operation, which lasted nearly an hour as they carefully removed branches to pull the workers out from under the debris.
Questions Raised Over Safety Measures
The tragedy has sparked serious concerns over workplace safety and negligence in labor-intensive sectors in Tripura. Activists and labor unions have pointed fingers at private contractors and local authorities, accusing them of cutting corners to save costs.
“This is not an accident — this is criminal negligence,” said Shyamal Roy, a member of a local labor union. “Basic precautions like site assessment, protective gear, and supervision could have saved lives. Construction and land development work across the state needs stricter monitoring.”
Tripura’s Labour Department has taken note of the incident and announced a probe into the matter. State Labour Minister Bhagaban Das expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured strict action against the guilty.
“We will not tolerate such negligence. A departmental inquiry has been ordered, and we are also reviewing whether the contractor followed all legal norms and safety protocols,” the minister told reporters.
Compensation and Support
The state government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh to each of the injured workers. Officials also mentioned that the construction company involved may be liable to pay additional compensation under the Workmen’s Compensation Act.
Local leaders have urged the government to ensure that the families receive support beyond financial aid — including jobs for next of kin and long-term medical care for the injured.
A Wake-Up Call
While the immediate shock of the tragedy has left a pall over the community, the incident also underscores the urgent need for safety reform in unorganized sectors. Across India, workplace accidents continue to be a silent crisis, with hundreds of laborers losing their lives annually due to lack of proper safety measures.
In Tripura, this incident may serve as a grim reminder that progress and development must not come at the cost of human life. As authorities begin their investigation and grieving families mourn their loss, the hope is that accountability will be ensured and preventive systems put in place — so no more lives are lost to avoidable disasters.
