Nearly six workers were killed and at least five were injured after a structure of an under-construction building in Pune collapsed late at night on Thursday, February 3.
Fire officials stated that 10 labourers who were working underneath a structure of iron rods got trapped after the structure suddenly collapsed on them.
Of which, six died on the spot, while two are critically injured and other two have suffered minor injuries, police officials stated.
The incident took place around 11 pm at a site in Yerwada’s Shastrinagar area a 16 mm-sized iron mesh was made for laying slabs on basement parking of the under-construction mall building. Suddenly, this giant iron mesh fell on 10 labourers who were working at the site.
“The construction work of a mall was being done here when a heavy steel structure collapsed. All laborers belong to Bihar. The reason for the collapse is under investigation,” said Rohidas Pawar, DCP Pune Police.
As soon as the information about the accident was received, the fire department reached the spot. Iron bars pierced through the workers’ bodies were removed with the help of cutters.
The primary investigation suggests that the incident happened due to a lack of precautionary measures at the site. Though further investigations are underway. Meanwhile, the police officials said that the death toll is expected to rise.
They were taken to Sassoon Hospital in Pune, however, the deceased are yet to be identified.
Taking the cognisance of the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Friday morning, February 4, expressing condolences over the deaths of labourers.
The local MLA Sunil Tingre also visited the spot to monitor the relief operation. The authorities have launched an investigation into the reason for the collapse.