Baitadi, May 24:

Three workers drowned in the Mahakali river here this afternoon while four were rescued.

The incident occurred in Barakot Bukeli of Dasharath municipality-11 when the workers were crossing the river using waterpipes as floats. The pipes sank, drowning three of them. The workers were heading for Pancheshwor village development committee-2, the site proposed for a drinking water project.

While Prem Singh Dhami, Man Singh Ghatal and Sriram Ghatal of Pancheshwor-2 drowned, Padam Singh Ghatal, Keshav Singh Ghatal, Surendra Singh Dhami and Bharat Singh Dhami of Panchehwor village development committee-2 were rescued.

A police team with the help of locals rescued the four. The mishap occurred when the water level suddenly submerged the waterpipes, a rescuer Surendra Singh Dhami said.

Baitadi Chief District Officer Jibachha Mishra said the contractors of the water project were being questioned for putting the lives of the workers in danger.