Chennai building collapse kills 9 workers from Assam; PM Modi announces ex-gratia
The collapse at Ennore thermal power station claimed nine lives, all migrant workers from Assam, prompting condolences and compensation announcements from CM Stalin and PM Modi
Nine workers lost their lives and ten others sustained injuries in a tragic accident at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station construction site in Ennore on Tuesday (September 30).
Preliminary reports suggest that an arch under construction gave way and collapsed from a height of nearly 30 feet, burying several migrant labourers beneath the debris. While one worker is reported to have suffered grievous injuries, more than ten others have been admitted with serious wounds, officials said.
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CM Stalin condoles deaths
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin ordered Power Minister S S Sivasankar and TANGEDCO Chairman K Radhakrishnan to immediately oversee relief work at the accident site.
CM Stalin expressed sorrow over the death of nine people and conveyed his condolences. "I am deeply saddened to hear that nine workers from Assam lost their lives in an accident that occurred during the construction work carried out by BHEL in Ennore. I convey my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives," he said in a social media post on Tuesday.
Stalin announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each deceased and ordered that steps be taken to transport the mortal remains to their home state.
As per ANI, police officials are still probing the exact cause of the accident and authorities are conducting a further probe into the matter.
"More than 10 others were seriously hurt in the collapse incident. The victims have been rushed to Stanley Government Hospital in North Chennai. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident," Avadi Police Commissionerate was quoted as saying by ANI.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the mishap and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased.
"Saddened by the mishap due to the collapse of a building in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families in this difficult hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured." Modi said.
"An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the Prime Minister's Office said on 'X'.
Tamil Nadu Congress president K Selvaperunthagai also expressed grief over the demise of the nine people.
Citing media reports, he said those injured are being treated at the Government Stanley Medical College in the city. He called for rigorous safety measures to prevent such incidents in future.
"On behalf of the Tamil Nadu Congress, I extend my deep condolences to the bereaved family members. I wish those injured a speedy recovery," he added.
(With agency inputs)