9 guest workers die in accident at Ennore Thermal power project
Speaking at the hospital, IAS Radhakrishnan, added that the government is coordinating with BHEL’s safety officers. He noted that while safety features were reportedly in place, the collapse of the arch left the men with little chance of survival. "From the government side, whatever help is needed will be extended,” he said"
Bodies of the workers being brough to Stanley Hospital.
CHENNAI: CHENNAI: Nine guest workers from Assam were killed, and another from Jharkhand was injured, when a massive steel structure collapsed at the under-construction 2×660 MW Ennore SEZ Super Critical Thermal Power Station on Monday evening.
Officials said the mishap occurred between 5 pm and 5.30 pm when the workers were erecting a 45-metre-high steel cover for the coal handling unit. The massive arch gave way, bringing all 10 men down. Based on an alert, personnel from Avadi City Police and Fire and Rescue Services rushed to the spot and rescued them from under the structure.
They were rushed to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, but nine succumbed to their injuries en route. The lone survivor sustained minor injuries and is under treatment.
“Despite safety features like belts, they suddenly fell. Of them, nine were brought dead to the Stanley Medical College Hospital. One worker survived with abrasions and lacerations. Doctors are treating him, and his condition is not critical,” said J Radhakrishnan, chairman and managing director, Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd.
The bodies reached Stanley Hospital around 7.30 pm, nearly two hours after the incident. Hospital authorities identified the deceased as Munnakemprai, Vidayum Pravotsha, Sumon Karikap, Deepak Raijiung, Sarbojit Thausen, Pranto Sorong, Paban Sorong, Phaibit Phonglo, and Bimaraj Thausen. Their remains have been kept in the mortuary for post-mortem examination.
“All the men had joined less than a month ago and had not even received their first month’s salary,” said Sumit, a fellow worker, adding that families of the victims have been informed and arrangements were being made for the repatriation of the bodies.
The victims were contract workers engaged through a sub- contractor of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for the Ennore SEZ project.
Radhakrishnan said the government was coordinating with BHEL’s safety officers. “While safety features were in place, the collapse left the men with little chance of survival. Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed that all necessary
