Wed May 21 18:19:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Tragedy Strikes Stone Quarry in Sivaganga: Fifth Body Recovered, Quarry License Suspended**
**Sivaganga, India – May 21, 2025** – Rescue workers in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, have recovered the body of a fifth worker from the site of a fatal rockslide at a stone quarry near Singampuneri. The deceased has been identified as B. Harshith, 28, a migrant worker from Odisha.
The incident, which occurred earlier this week, claimed the lives of four other workers: M. Muruganandam, 49; M. Arumugam, 53; M. Andichammy, 50; and C. Ganesan, 49, all residents of nearby villages in Madurai.
Rescue operations were temporarily halted Tuesday night due to concerns about the stability of the remaining rocks. Following the recovery of Harshith’s body, local police (S.S. Kottai precinct) have registered a case against Megavarman, the owner of the quarry, and an investigation is underway.
Collector Asha Ajith has taken swift action, suspending the quarry’s license and ordering the Department of Geology and Mining to conduct a drone survey of the Singampuneri quarry and other quarries throughout the district, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Minister for Cooperation K.R. Periyakaruppan has distributed ₹10.50 lakh (approximately $14,000 USD) in compensation to each of the bereaved families, as announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The district administration will arrange for Harshith’s family to receive their compensation upon their arrival to claim his remains.
The incident has raised serious concerns about safety standards in local stone quarries. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation and review of existing regulations.
First Piper 