Three construction workers die in hoist crash at IIT Kharagpur medical college site

Three workers died when ropes holding the hoist in which they were going up snapped on Wednesday morning. A fourth worker managed to hold on to a ledge which saved his life.

Three construction workers employed at the site of the proposed medical college and hospital at IIT Kharagpur died on Wednesday when a temporary hoist which was carrying them crashed to the ground.

Site of the proposed medical college and hospital at IIT Kharagpur where three construction workers died on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

The deceased were identified as Prabhakar Mishra (52), Chitto Ghosh (24) and Amitosh Halder (34). They were working for a private construction company engaged by IIT Kharagpur authorities.

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All three were declared death on arrival at Kharagpur sub-divisional hospital. The workers’ union started an agitation after the incident. No safety measures were taken to protect people working at the site, it alleged.

Mishra, Ghosh, Halder and a fourth worker were going up the eight-storied site in the morning when the ropes holding the hoist snapped, eyewitnesses told the police. The fourth worker, who could not be identified, had a miraculous escape when he managed to grab a ledge jutting out of the building. He climbed back to safety. The other three were not so lucky. The platform crashed to the ground with the workers still holding on to the rails.

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IIT authorities refused to comment on the deaths. Biplab Bhatta, a worker’s union leader, said the construction company must take security measures immediately.

Local police pacified the workers and said the construction company would be asked to ensure the safety of workers.