Jaipur, Nov. 2 -- Eight workers died by electrocution and five others were injured after a machine used to mix gravel and sand came into contact with an overhead high-tension power line during road construction in Rajasthan's Chhapoli village, in Jhunjhunu district's Udaipurwati area, on Monday, police said.

The deaths prompted a protest by villagers, who alleged that the electricity department and administration ignored safety concerns.

Udaipurwati station house officer Rampal said, "A machine being used to mix gravel and sand came into contact with the power line. The wire touched the machine's hydraulic jack, causing current to pass through it and electrocuting workers at the site." Police said the incident occurred while a road was ...