12 construction workers killed

Twelve workers, including five women, died when concrete slabs holding up a conveyor belt above the ground collapsed at a cement factory coming up at Dalmiapuram, about 40 km from here, on Saturday. Dalmia Cements Executive Director (Cement Works) G Gasper Fenelon said the company had entrusted the work to a private contractor —— Periasamy & Chinnasamy.

The reason for the collapse of the slabs was yet to be ascertained. The mishap took place around 12.45 pm. Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has announced Rs 50,000 each to the kin of all the 12 workers killed in the accident.