Three workers dead, another rescued as concrete blocks collapse at bullet train site in Gujarat’s Anand

The incident took place at 5pm and immediately, teams of the local fire department as well as the police rushed to the spot to begin the rescue operations.

Two workers were rescued and rushed to a hospital for treatment, where one Succumbed while the bodies of two workers was pulled out. Anand district Superintendent of Police GG Jasani said that the incident occurred at a spot located on the bed of Mahi river.

Jasani told The Indian Express, “Three workers have been killed. While bodies of two workers have been pulled out and the rescue operation is on to ascertain if more workers are trapped. We believe that a total of four workers had been trapped under the debris, of which, two were rescued, one succumbed in hospital. The one who is currently under treatment is stable.”

According to the police, two of the deceased workers were locals from Gujarat while the third was from Bihar.

Confirming the accident, NHSRCL said in a statement, “Today evening, while sinking in one of the wells at Mahi river in Anand District, concrete blocks fell in which four labours got trapped. Immediately rescue operations were undertaken by mobilising cranes and excavators available at site. Help was provided by locals, state administration, police department & NDRF. All four workmen have been taken out. One workmen is under treatment. Three were declared dead. Ex-gratia payment of 20 lakhs each to the deceased family is being given through online transfer.”

The high-speed rail corporation said that the presently, the work on well-sinking is on across the length of 610 metres to construct the bridge on the Mahi River, out of which 582 metres has been completed. The work on sinking well foundations in the 28 metre length is currently in progress. “Concrete blocks of 2.5 tonnes each were loaded on the metal frame for sinling which was supported by high tension strands. A total of 16 strands were provided. However, due to snapping of strands, the blocks fell and four workmen got trapped. Detailed technical enquiry is being undertaken to ascertain the cause of the incidence.”

NHSRCL MD Vivek Gupta said that the kin of the deceased workers will be given a ex-gratia compensation of Rs 20 lakhs by Tuesday night. Gupta said that workers were “restricted” from venturing into the barricaded well-sinking spot and a probe is on to ascertain why the four workers had gone closer to the foundation.

Gupta said, “About 80 workers present at the site, assisted by locals, carried out the initial rescue work. We informed the NDRF team too… It was a restricted and barricaded area at which workers were not required. So how did these workers reach the spot, we are ascertaining the same. Senior officials are present at the spot.”