At least three labourers sustained injuries after the roof of an under-construction building at Puri Railway station collapsed on Sunday. The mishap occurred when the labourers were engaged in roof construction work.
Following the incident, the three injured labourers were immediately shifted to the Puri district headquarters hospital.
A rescue operation has been launched as it is suspected that some labourers might be trapped under the debris. Heavy machines are being used to remove the iron structures that were installed for laying of the roof, sources said.
The incident occurred at around 10:15 am at the new corridor of the ongoing railway station project. Sources said that around 6 labourers were working at the site when the mishap occurred.
" As soon as we got information, our teams reached the spot and found that one portion of the structure has collapsed. Four labourers have been shifted to the hospital and two to three labourers are missing," said a senior fire officer.
Using JCB, iron structure debris are being cleared and only after that we can ascertain if any labourer is trapped under or not.
It is pertinent to mention that the massive construction work is underway as part of the ongoing plans to convert Puri Railway station into a world class station.
Puri City DSP said, "The structure of railway construction work has collapsed and rescue operation is underway. 4 labourers have been rushed to the hospital and we are only assisting GRP in the ongoing works."
GRP official said, "We have shifted 4 labourers to the hospital. We are taking precaution and will shift if any other labourer is trapped under the debris or not. It is suspected that due to some technical defect the structure collapsed and an investigation will be conducted in this regard. Railway officials will also conduct a probe whether an expert team had certified this and why the defect cropped up."
In a statement, Indian Railways said, "An unfortunate incident occurred at Puri Railway Station due to the collapse of the under construction portico. Six laborers were working at the site at the time of the incident, four of them suffered injuries. "
According to the Indian Railways, all injured laborers have been promptly shifted to the hospital and are currently out of danger.
"An investigation into the incident has been ordered.
Proper treatment to the injured persons is being ensured," the official statement read.