In a tragic accident, nine migrant workers from Assam lost their lives and several others were injured after scaffolding collapsed at a construction site of the Ennore Thermal Power Project near Ponneri in North Chennai on Tuesday.
The workers were engaged in building a concrete arch nearly 20 feet above the ground when the scaffolding suddenly gave way. The fall from nearly 30 feet proved fatal for many. According to police officers, four workers died instantly at the site, while five others succumbed to their injuries on the way to Stanley Government Hospital. At least one worker is still battling serious injuries under intensive care.
Victims Identified
Officials identified the deceased workers as Munna Kemprai, Sorbojit Thausen, Phaibit Fanglu, Bidayum Porbosa, Paban Sorong, Prayanto Sorong, Suman Kharikap, Dimaraj Thousen, and Dipak Raijung.
All of them were migrant labourers from Assam who had come to Chennai for work.
Rescue Efforts and Investigation
Rescue teams and fellow workers rushed the injured to Stanley Hospital soon after the collapse. Police officers from the Avadi Commissionerate confirmed that more than 10 people sustained serious injuries. Authorities launched a detailed probe and sealed the construction site pending structural safety inspections.
The Kattur police have also filed a case regarding the incident.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is executing the 1,320-megawatt thermal power expansion project at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station as the main contractor.
Leaders Express Condolences
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured workers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed condolences and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the victims, and ₹50,000 for those injured.
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed grief, confirming that all nine workers hailed from different districts of Assam. He assured that authorities will bring their mortal remains back to their home state.
Call for Workplace Safety
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the issue of workplace safety in large construction projects. Several coworkers and labourers gathered outside Stanley Hospital demanding strict action against negligence and better safety measures to protect workers in the future.
