Mangaluru: Two labourers were buried alive after a water pipeline burst while underground drainage work was in progress. The mishap occurred near Central Railway Station, Hampankatta on Monday evening.

The deceased are Raghu and Babu, both hailing from Bagalkote.

According to sources, eight labourers employed by the MCC, were working on the drainage system connecting Wenlock Hospital when a pipeline burst. The force of the water swept away the mud accumulated nearby. The impact was such that Raghu and Babu were buried alive. Six others managed to escape with minor injuries.

Though fire service was immediately pressed into action, the two couldn’t be rescued. Their bodies were later retrieved and shifted to Wenlock hospital.

Mayor Jacintha Alfred, Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo and others visited the spot.