CHENNAI: Two migrant labourers were killed after a portion of an old wall collapsed while they were digging for a construction undertaken by the Slum Clearance Board here on Thursday.
According to police, as many as 11 persons were working at the construction site at the intersection of Kandhan Street and Vaidhyanathan Street in Chetpet, digging for the basement when the incident took place between 11.30 am and 12.30 pm. Robin Pahan (35) and Sunil Pahan (45) both relatives and natives of Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal, along with another migrant labourer were digging the area adjoining the Sri Arul Shakthi Mariamman temple, which is believed to be built over an old worship hall over a decade ago.
A portion of the old wall which was beneath the temple’s back wall collapsed when the trio attempted to dig near the wall. The debris trapped Robin and Sunil Pahan, while the third person escaped unhurt. Other workers at the site rushed to the rescue of the trapped duo and managed to pull them out with help from a few local people. However, the duo had died by then. Chetpet Police moved their bodies to the KMC Hospital for post-mortem examination, and the families were informed about the incident.
Bipul Pahan, nephew of both the deceased, told Express that he was informed about the accident by his uncle’s co-workers.
“By the time I reached the spot, their bodies were pulled out from under the debris. I have informed their families in West Bengal who would come here to receive the bodies,” he said.
Two years ago, residents of the 32 Slum Clearance Board apartments situated in the present site were vacated citing the weakened structure. They were given an assurance that the apartment would be re-built and handed over to them. The structure was pulled down after evacuating all the families and construction for the new apartment began two months ago. The main contract was awarded to one Sivagnanam, who is being quizzed by the Chetpet police. A case has been registered.