Nine workers died when a steel arch collapsed at an under-construction thermal power plant site in Ennore, near Chennai, late on Tuesday, officials said. The deceased were migrant workers from Assam, while the injured were shifted to Stanley Government Hospital in North Chennai for treatment.
Authorities said Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) officials were present at the site, and a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the collapse. Rescue operations concluded after the area was secured, and forensic and technical assessments are underway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who died and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and assured that arrangements would be made to transport the bodies to their home state.
State power department officials said a fact-finding report will be prepared after site inspections and recording statements from contractors and supervisory staff. Further safety audits have been recommended at the project site pending the probe’s outcome.
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