A coal worker in Khairguda open cast coal mine in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district died of sunstroke on Tuesday, while two others were admitted to a hospital. In contrast, the neighbouring Asifabad and Wankidi mandals were pounded by heavy rainfall and gale for over one hour in the afternoon, bringing down the oppressive heat drastically.
According to information, a fitter, Shanigarapu Paul, of Mandamarri village, died of sunstroke while working and a supervisor, Murthy, and contract labourer Chandrashekhar were admitted to the hospital. Workers staged a protest at the mine demanding ₹50 lakh as ex gratia for the kin of the deceased worker.
The erstwhile district recorded maximum temperatures between 43 degrees Celsius and over 46 degrees C during the day. Adilabad recorded the highest maximum temperature at 46.3 degree C, while Asifabad recorded a maximum temperature of 43.3 degrees C.