A worker was buried alive at the construction site, when the loose soil of a pit that was being dug up for a water sump in a house in Madukkarai, fell on him, today.

The worker, 40-year old Rajakili, accompanied by his wife Chenniyammal and another worker, Manikandan were digging a six-and-half foot deep pit, with stairs attached. Suddenly the stairs collapsed and brought down with it the loose soil.

Rajakili was completely covered with the loose soil and could not make his way out. He died as a result. The body was dug up with the help of an earthmover. The two other workers escaped unhurt.