E-Paper
Two killed as earth caves in at underpass construction site
Two workers were killed and three injured on Tuesday after earth collapsed into an excavation at an underpass construction site near FTI Circle, in front of Dr Rajkumar Samadhi, raising questions about safety measures at the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) project
Two workers were killed and three injured on Tuesday after earth collapsed into an excavation at an underpass construction site near FTI Circle, in front of Dr Rajkumar Samadhi, raising questions about safety measures at the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) project.
The collapse occurred around 11am as workers were removing accumulated water from the excavation before reinforced concrete work was to begin. Five workers were at the site when the earth gave way, Bengaluru North Division DCP B.S. Nemagowda said.
Three workers escaped, while two were buried. One died at the site and the other was rescued and taken to a private hospital, where he later died.
The three injured workers, identified as Sadanand, Sunil and Imtiyaz, were admitted for treatment. They are from Jharkhand and West Bengal.
“Five workers were working at the site when the soil collapsed. Three of them managed to move away and save themselves, while two workers were trapped under the soil. Parimal died at the spot, while Sonaram was rescued and shifted to a private hospital. However, he died during treatment,” Nemagowda said.
Police from Nandini Layout, rescue teams and local residents took part in the operation to reach the trapped workers.
The excavation was about 18 to 19 feet deep, according to Mahalakshmi Layout MLA K. Gopalaiah, who visited the site after the accident. He alleged that shortcomings by officials and the contractor may have contributed to the collapse.
“Two workers have lost their lives and three others have been injured. The injured workers were provided immediate treatment, and arrangements were made to shift them to Manipal Hospital for further care,” Gopalaiah said.
Gopalaiah questioned whether adequate consideration had been given to carrying out such a large excavation during the monsoon.
“Officials and experts should have considered whether such a major underpass project should be taken up during the monsoon. This is not a small drainage project. The excavation was around 18 to 19 feet deep, and the soil collapsed while water was being removed,” he said.
He said better planning and safety precautions could have avoided the deaths.
The BDA has ordered an inquiry into the accident. Commissioner Captain Manivannan said an internal committee would examine the circumstances surrounding the collapse and submit its findings within 45 days.
“We are collecting complete information about the accident and have ordered an immediate investigation. Instructions have been issued to ensure that the injured workers receive the best possible treatment. The contractor has also been directed to provide compensation to the families of the deceased workers within 24 hours,” Manivannan said.
He said the committee would determine what led to the collapse and that subsequent action would depend on its findings.
“The internal committee will investigate the reasons behind the accident and submit its report within 45 days. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry,” he said.
