Slab falls on labourers, 2 dead

Two people died while two were injured after a slab fell on them at a building collapse site at Masjid Bunder on Wednesday.

Two people died while two were injured after a slab fell on them at a building collapse site at Masjid Bunder on Wednesday.

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Pydhonie police said the contractor of Building No 94 at Sharif Devji Street had begun demolition of the remaining part of the structure a month ago. At 7.30 pm, as daily wage labourers Cheena Yadav (30), Mohammed Aziz Babulla (35), Nazir Mohammed Kitabulla (22) and Krishna Yadav (28) tried to remove the debris, a slab from the first floor fell on them. Residents of the building, who have moved out but are staying close by, saw what happened and called the fire brigade.

Senior Inspector Shamsherkhan Pathan said the fire brigade pulled the four out and rushed them to GT Hospital. However, Cheena was declared dead on arrival and Krishna died a little later.

Police said residents had warned the contractor that the structure was unstable and could collapse any time, but the contractor paid no heed.

“We have booked the contractor and other persons concerned for negligence. We are investigating the matter and would make arrests after we ascertain that negligence was involved,” said Pathan.