7 workers killed in elevator crash in under-construction skyscraper
As many as seven migrant workers were killed and one was grievously injured when an elevator shaft they were working on in an under-construction skyscraper came down crashing in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The injured worker is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The police said the incident occurred around 9.30 am at the construction site near the Gujarat University.
Talking to the media, Assistant Commissioner of Police LB Jhala said, “Six labourers working inside the elevator shaft on the 13th floor of Aspire-II fell on the ground with a thud when the support structure collapsed.”
He said two others working on the fifth floor also fell down as they lost their balance. In all, seven labourers died while another was under treatment.
The top cop disclosed that from the preliminary findings it appeared that the safety measures were not in place and the police would initiate suitable action if the investigation revealed negligence by the building contractor. A labourer at the ground floor said the victims hailed from Panchmahals district and they had not worn any safety gear.
A surprised Ahmedabad Chief Fire Officer Jayesh Khadia said, “We (the fire department) did not receive any call and came to know about it through the media.”
Khadia said the reason for
the collapse of the elevator shaft was unknown, while analysis was on. Mayor Kirit Parmar, who also reached the spot, said police would take action if the builders had violated any laws.
He added the builders indeed had the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s necessary approvals. But the mayor wondered, "Though the incident occurred at 9.30 am, officials were informed at least two hours later around 11.30 am.”
Meanwhile, PMinister Narendra Modi expressed his concern.