Kottayam: Two workers, who were cleaning a well, died after a portion of the well collapsed on top of them at Ayarkunnam near Punnathura here in the district on Friday.

The deceased were identified as Saju (44) and Joy (49). The accident happened as Saju and Joy were lowering concrete rings into the well to strengthen it.

After cleaning the well, the two workers were engaged in lowering concrete rings. The aim was to strengthen its side and prevent cave-ins. Around 12 noon, when Saju and Joy were lowering one of the rings into the well, the side wall collapsed and the soil came down on them.

Nearby residents who witnessed the incident rushed to the spot and informed Fire and Rescue Service personnel. The bodies were taken out of the well by Fire and Rescue Service personnel with the help of local residents.

The body of one of the victims was transferred to the Kottayam medical college while the other was taken to a private hospital in the area.

Police have registered a case over the incident and are investigating.