12 killed as factory’s wall collapses in Guj
PM MODI ANNOUNCED AN EX GRATIA PAYMENT OF ₹2 LAKH EACH FOR THE KIN OF THE DECEASED, AND ₹50,000 TO THOSE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT
At least 12 people died and few others were feared trapped when a wall collapsed at a salt packaging factory in Gujarat’s Morbi district on Wednesday, officials said.
The incident took place at Sagar Salt factory in Halvad industrial area, said state labour and employment minister Brijesh Merja.
“At least 12 workers have died due to the wall collapse. Efforts to rescue others who might have been trapped under the debris are still on,” Merja said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, and Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel expressed grief over the tragedy. The PM announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh to each for the kin of the deceased from the Prime
Minister’s National Relief Fund.
“The tragedy in Morbi caused by a wall collapse is heart-rending. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Local authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected,” Modi tweeted.
The injured would be given ₹50,000 each, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Home minister Amit Shah took to Twitter to express his condolences, and spoke to the CM Patel over phone about the ongoing rescue work.
“The death of 12 people in an accident in Morbi, Gujarat is very sad. I have spoken to the Chief Minister @Bhupendrapbjp ji. The administration is busy in providing relief. The injured are being rushed to the hospital and they are being treated. I express my condolences to the bereaved families,” he tweeted in Hindi
The Gujarat CM announced a compensation of ₹4 lakh each for the kin of the victims and gave instructions to the district administration about the rescue and relief work, a statement by his office said.
Soon after the incident came to the fore, Patel gave instructions to the Morbi district collector and the system operators for
immediate rescue and relief operations. The CM also said that he will visit the spot of the incident. “I am deeply saddened by the tragedy of the wall collapsing at Halwad GIDC. My condolences to the bereaved families. The injured have been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. I will get a glimpse of the situation by visiting the scene face to face,” he tweeted.