How Did Nine Assam Workers Lose Their Lives in the Ennore Thermal Plant Collapse?
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Synopsis
A tragic construction site accident at the Ennore Thermal Power Station claimed the lives of nine Assam workers, who were repatriated home on a special flight. The incident raises urgent questions about safety standards in infrastructure projects. Read more about this heart-wrenching story and the government's response.
Key Takeaways
- The collapse occurred at the Ennore Thermal Power Station during construction.
- Nine workers from Assam tragically lost their lives.
- Compensation of ₹10 lakh has been approved for the victims' families.
- Safety protocols are under scrutiny following the incident.
- Investigations are ongoing to determine accountability.
Chennai, Oct 2 (NationPress) The remains of nine migrant workers from Assam, who tragically perished in a catastrophic construction accident at the Ennore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Super Critical Thermal Power Station near Chennai, were repatriated to their home state early Thursday morning on a special flight organized by the Tamil Nadu government.
The tragic incident occurred late Tuesday evening when a massive steel framework intended for the coal handling unit of the 2x660 MW plant unexpectedly collapsed between 5 P.M. and 5:30 P.M.
Ten workers, employed through a subcontractor of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), were positioned on a 45-metre-high platform when the structure gave way, causing them to fall.
Rescue teams from Avadi City Police and Fire and Rescue Services promptly arrived, but unfortunately, nine workers succumbed to their grave injuries while being transported to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital.
One worker from Jharkhand survived with minor injuries and is currently under observation.
The deceased have been identified as Munnakemprai, Vidayum Pravotsha, Sumon Karikap, Deepak Raijiung, Sarbojit Thausen, Pranto Sorong, Paban Sorong, Phaibit Phonglo, and Bimaraj Thausen — all of whom had started working at the site less than a month ago.
Following post-mortem examinations at Stanley Hospital, their bodies were embalmed and placed in coffins.
In a commitment made shortly after the accident, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin approved a compensation of ₹10 lakh each for the grieving families. He also instructed officials to ensure a respectful repatriation of the deceased.
The remains, accompanied by family members and representatives of the construction company, were moved to the old Chennai airport’s cargo terminal around 2:30 A.M. on Thursday and subsequently flown to Guwahati.
Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) Chairman J. Radhakrishnan stated that safety equipment, including harnesses, had been utilized, but the sudden structural failure left little room for survival.
State authorities are collaborating with BHEL’s safety team to investigate the reasons behind the structural failure. This tragedy has sparked renewed discussions regarding safety and oversight standards at large infrastructure sites.
Officials have confirmed that inquiries are ongoing and that accountability will follow against responsible contractors once the investigation concludes.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the profound impact of this tragedy on the families affected and the urgent need for stringent safety protocols in the construction industry. The loss of lives in such incidents underscores the responsibility of all stakeholders to prioritize worker safety.
NationPress
02/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the collapse at the Ennore Thermal Power Station?
The exact cause of the collapse is under investigation, with state authorities working closely with BHEL's safety team to determine the factors leading to the structural failure.
How many workers were involved in the accident?
A total of ten workers were on the platform at the time of the collapse, with nine tragically losing their lives.
What compensation has been provided to the victims' families?
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has approved a compensation of ₹10 lakh for each bereaved family.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety in future projects?
State authorities have initiated inquiries and are reviewing safety protocols to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Where were the deceased workers from?
The deceased workers were migrant laborers from Assam, with one worker surviving from Jharkhand.
