Kolkata: Two municipal workers killed and one injured after tree falls in howrah corporation office premises
Times of India | 2 July 2025
HOWRAH: On Wednesday, within the Howrah Municipal Corporation, two municipal workers died after being crushed by a large eucalyptus tree, and another was injured. The incident occurred around 5.45 am when three municipal workers were having tea in front of the office of Chairperson Dr Sujay Chakraborty. The workers were Umesh Mahato (51), a permanent staff member and spray man of the Howrah Corporation's health department; Nur Mohammad (53), a security guard; and a temporary worker named Dinesh.
The aged eucalyptus tree adjacent to Dr Chakraborty's office collapsed, trapping all three workers underneath. Nearby shopkeepers, on-duty municipal workers, and Howrah police responded promptly to the loud noise. Nur's duty was scheduled to end at 6 AM, while Umesh was to start his shift at the same time. After approximately half an hour of rescue efforts, the workers were freed and transported to Howrah District Hospital. The on-duty doctor declared Umesh and Nur dead, while Dinesh was admitted to the observation ward.
Chakraborty arrived at the corporation office upon hearing the news and provided details to reporters. He stated, "This death is extremely sudden and painful. Both deceased suffered head injuries and multiple injuries. Dinesh has been discharged after primary treatment and observation. There had been rain and wind for the past two days. Possibly, the soil at the base of the tree loosened, causing this accident". Civic workers said the tree of the tree had been paved with asphalt.
Dr Chakraborty added, "We stand by the families of the deceased and injured. Their families will receive whatever compensation is due as per govt rules.
"Following the accident, municipal workers used electric saws to cut the branches and trunk of the tree, removing it after an hour of effort. It was reported that Umesh was the sole earning member of his family, and Nur's wife is ill and has been undergoing treatment for a long time.