Nine contractual workers from Assam lost their lives on September 30 after a massive steel arch collapsed at the Ennore SEZ Thermal Power Plant construction site in Ooranambedu, near Chennai.
The victims have been identified as Munna Kemprai, Sorbojit Thausen, Phaibit Fanglu, Bidayum Porbosa, Paban Sorong, Prayanto Sorong, Suman Kharikap, Dimaraj Thousen, and Dipak Raijung. All were engaged in installation work when the structure, erected at a height of nearly 147 feet, suddenly gave way, bringing them crashing down.
The deceased hailed from Hojai and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam. Their bodies are being sent back to their home state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for each victim’s family and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin declared Rs 10 lakh compensation for the next of kin and assured all assistance in transporting the bodies.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep sorrow and said his government is coordinating with Tamil Nadu for necessary arrangements.
Authorities have sealed the site and ordered an inquiry into possible safety lapses. The contractor, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), is under scrutiny for compliance with safety standards.
