In a latest development, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has announced a compensation of INR 5 lakhs each to the families of the labourers who lost their lives after an under-construction building collapsed in Pune last night, February 3. "I have also ordered the administration to investigate the incident," he added.
Fire officials stated that 10 labourers who were working underneath a structure of iron rods got trapped after the structure suddenly collapsed on them. Of which, six died on the spot, while two are critically injured and other three have suffered minor injuries, police officials stated.
The incident took place around 11 pm at a site in Yerwada’s Shastrinagar area a 16 mm-sized iron mesh was made for laying slabs on basement parking of the under-construction mall building. Suddenly, this giant iron mesh fell on 10 labourers who were working at the site.
The primary investigation suggests that the incident happened due to a lack of precautionary measures at the site. Though further investigations are underway. Meanwhile, the police officials said that the death toll is expected to rise.
They were taken to Sassoon Hospital in Pune, however, the deceased are yet to be identified.
Taking the cognisance of the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Friday morning, February 4, expressing condolences over the deaths of labourers.
The local MLA Sunil Tingre also visited the spot to monitor the relief operation. The authorities have launched an investigation into the reason for the collapse.