Chennai plant mishap: 9 Assam workers killed; Stalin announces Rs 10L ex-gratia

Chennai, Oct 1: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the nine workers from Assam who were killed in the Ennore thermal power plant accident in Chennai.

In a social media post, few hours after the incident, Stalin expressed grief over the incident and conveyed his condolences.

“I was deeply saddened to learn that nine workers from Assam lost their lives in an accident during construction work at the Ennore power plant being executed by BHEL. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” he wrote.

The Chief Minister said arrangements were being made to transport the bodies to Assam and assured that all necessary assistance would be provided.

Earlier, a routine installation job turned deadly at the Ennore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) thermal power project when a massive steel arch collapsed, killing nine contractual workers from Assam and injuring one, on Tuesday.

Hospital authorities identified the victims as Munnakemprai, Vidayum Pravotsha, Sumon Karikap, Deepak Raijiung, Sarbojit Thausen, Pranto Sorong, Paban Sorong, Phaibit Phonglo, and Bimaraj Thausen.

All were contractual workers hired through a subcontractor of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).

The bodies of the deceased were brought to Stanley Hospital and were shifted to the mortuary for post-mortem.

The incident occurred at the Stage 4 section of the plant, where 10 workers were fitting a steel arch cover over a coal handling unit.

The structure, designed to shield coal stockpiles, suddenly gave way, sending all 10 men plummeting.

"While safety measures were reportedly in place, the sudden collapse gave them little chance to survive. From the government side, whatever help is needed will be extended," said J. Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu Additional Chief Secretary and state health spokesperson.

"Despite safety features like belts, they suddenly fell. Nine were brought dead to Stanley Medical College Hospital. One worker survived with abrasions and lacerations; his condition is not critical," he said.

Radhakrishnan, who visited the hospital, said that the state government is coordinating with BHEL safety officers and families of the deceased would be notified soon.

“The state will arrange transporting the bodies back to Assam,” he said.

The Ennore SEZ thermal power project is a 2×660 MW capacity plant under phased construction.

Stages 1, 2, and 3 are operational, while Stage 4 -- where the mishap occurred -- is 70% complete and still under heavy work.

Officials estimate nearly 3,200 workers, mostly guest labourers from various states, are on site daily.

Police and safety inspectors are investigating the cause of the collapse and whether the structure met mandated standards.

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up at Stanley Hospital as families and representatives from labour unions prepare to arrive.

The accident has raised urgent questions about the safety oversight at large-scale industrial projects where migrant workers form the backbone of the workforce.

With inputs from IANS