9 guest workers die in accident at Ennore Thermal power project
Speaking at the hospital, IAS Radhakrishnan, added that the government is coordinating with BHEL’s safety officers. He noted that while safety features were reportedly in place, the collapse of the arch left the men with little chance of survival. "From the government side, whatever help is needed will be extended,” he said";
Bodies while they brought to Stanley
CHENNAI: Nine guest workers from Assam were killed and one more injured after a massive steel arch collapsed at the Ennore SEZ Thermal Power Project on Tuesday evening.
The incident took place around 5:30 pm when ten workers were installing a steel arch cover for a coal handling unit at the Stage 4 section of the power project. The arch, meant to protect coal stockpiles, suddenly gave way, causing all ten workers to fall.
“Despite safety features like belts, they suddenly fell. Out of them, nine were brought dead to Stanley Medical College Hospital. One worker survived with only abrasions and lacerations. Doctors are treating him, and his condition is not critical,” said IAS Radhakrishnan, Additional Chief Secretary and the state government’s official spokesperson on health.
The bodies of the deceased reached Stanley Hospital around 7.30pm, nearly two hours after the mishap.
The deceased men, all from Assam and engaged as contract workers through a subcontractor of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). Hospital authorities confirmed their names as Munnakemprai, Vidayum Pravotsha, Sumon Karikap, Deepak Raijiung, Sarbojit Thausen, Pranto Sorong, Paban Sorong, Phaibit Phonglo and Bimaraj Thausen. Their bodies have been placed in the mortuary at Stanley Hospital for post-mortem examination before being released to the families.
Speaking at the hospital, IAS Radhakrishnan, added that the government is coordinating with BHEL’s safety officers. He noted that while safety features were reportedly in place, the collapse of the arch left the men with little chance of survival. "From the government side, whatever help is needed will be extended,” he said"
The Ennore SEZ Thermal Power Project is a 2×660 megawatt capacity thermal plant being built in phases. Stages 1, 2, and 3 are already functional. Stage 4, where the accident took place, is around 70% complete and remains under construction.
Officials estimate that around 3,200 workers are currently engaged in various jobs across the sprawling site, many of them guest workers from other states.