--
Samir Umarye
BICHOLIM, FEB 17:
Three labourers died while four others were seriously injured when a
wall under construction collapsed at the Bicholim Industrial Estate on
Tuesday morning.
Bicholim police have identified the deceased as Jaitul Kamal Sheikh
(20), Razikul Shahajal Shekh (20) and Salim Fansu Shekh (20), all from
West Bengal, while the injured persons are Karimuvul Tuku Sheikh (22),
Esabdin Sheikh (19), Mannadil Sheikh and Karimulla Sheikh.
According to police reports, the incident took place at about 11 am as
seven workers were plastering the 9.5-metre wall of a factory. While
three stood on the bamboo scaffolding, others were on the ground. Work
was in progress to extend the factory premises.
The wall suddenly collapsed, burying Jaitul, Razikul and Salim under
the debris. The impact was such that they died on the spot, while
locals managed to rescue four other labourers.
Police rushed to the site and shifted the injured labourers to the
Bicholim primary health centre, from where one labourer was shifted to
the Goa Medical College hospital, Bambolim in a critical condition.
Incidentally, the contractor was not present at the site when the
incident took place.
Speaking to reporters, Bicholim Police Inspector Braz Menezes said
that the 9.5-metre wall had no support and added that low-grade
material was used in the construction.
"There is no formal complaint, but we have started investigations into
the case," said Menezes.
Bicholim fire services also rushed to the site and cleared the debris,
with the help of locals.
Bicholim Deputy Collector Arvind Bugde also agreed with Menezes in
stating that the construction material was of poor quality, leading to
the collapse of the wall
Bicholim Industrial Estate Manager Deepak Kakode, Area Manager
Premanand Gaonkar and the director of the factory also rushed to the
site and took stock of the situation.
Police has seized construction files from the factory premises .
