Nine Migrant Workers Killed in Chennai Construction Accident
Nine migrant workers from Assam died after scaffolding at an under-construction building collapsed at the Ennore Thermal Power Station in Chennai. The workers were reportedly at a height of over 20 feet, building a concrete arch for the power project, when the structure gave way. One other worker was injured. The Tamil Nadu government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each victim's family and ordered an investigation into the incident, which has reignited concerns over construction site safety.
Unpacked:
The exact cause is still under investigation. Preliminary accounts indicate that a middle section of the steel arch being constructed gave way, leading to the collapse of the structure and the fall of the workers.
Police stated that the deceased workers were wearing the required safety gear. However, the incident has renewed scrutiny over whether safety protocols and construction standards were adequately enforced at the site.
The Tamil Nadu government announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh per victim’s family and arranged transport for the bodies. The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund also pledged Rs 2 lakh to each family, and Assam’s government is coordinating with Tamil Nadu for further support.
Migrant workers from Assam and other states often work at construction sites in Tamil Nadu due to higher wages and available job opportunities. This is part of a broader pattern of inter-state labor migration in India’s construction sector.