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Key Points

A tragic structural collapse at the Ennore thermal power plant construction site has claimed nine lives. The workers were standing on a 45-meter-high platform when the steel arch suddenly gave way. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced compensation and arranged for the bodies to be flown back to Assam. Authorities are now investigating what caused the catastrophic failure at the BHEL-contracted project.

Key Points: 9 Assam Workers Killed in Chennai Ennore Thermal Plant Collapse

  • Massive steel structure collapsed at 45-meter height during evening construction hours
  • All deceased workers were recent recruits with less than one month on site
  • Tamil Nadu government arranged special flight to repatriate bodies to Assam
  • Chief Minister Stalin announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim's family
  • Single survivor from Jharkhand escaped with minor injuries and remains hospitalized
  • Investigation underway involving BHEL safety team to determine structural failure cause
2 min read

Bodies of 9 Assam workers killed in Ennore thermal plant collapse flown home

Bodies of nine migrant workers flown home after fatal structural collapse at Ennore thermal power plant construction site. Tamil Nadu CM announces ₹10 lakh compensation.

"safety gear, including harnesses, had been in use but the sudden collapse left little chance of survival - J. Radhakrishnan, TANGEDCO Chairman"

Chennai, Oct 2

The bodies of nine migrant workers from Assam, who died in a devastating construction site accident at the Ennore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Super Critical Thermal Power Station near Chennai, were flown to their native state early on Thursday morning on a special flight arranged by the Tamil Nadu government.

The fatal mishap occurred late on Tuesday evening when a massive steel structure being erected for the coal handling unit of the 2x660 MW plant suddenly gave way between 5 P.M. and 5.30 P.M.

Ten workers, engaged through a sub-contractor of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), were standing on a 45-metre-high platform when the arch collapsed, bringing them crashing down.

Rescuers from Avadi City Police and Fire and Rescue Services rushed in, but nine workers succumbed to their severe injuries en route to the Government Stanley Medical College Hospital.

One worker from Jharkhand survived with minor abrasions and remains under observation.

Hospital authorities identified the deceased as Munnakemprai, Vidayum Pravotsha, Sumon Karikap, Deepak Raijiung, Sarbojit Thausen, Pranto Sorong, Paban Sorong, Phaibit Phonglo, and Bimaraj Thausen — all recent recruits who had joined the site less than a month ago.

Their bodies were embalmed and placed in coffins after post-mortem examinations at Stanley Hospital.

Fulfilling a commitment made soon after the accident, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin sanctioned a solatium of ₹10 lakh each to the bereaved families. He also directed officials to ensure dignified repatriation of the victims.

The remains, accompanied by family members and representatives of the construction firm, were shifted to the old Chennai airport’s cargo terminal around 2.30 A.M. on Thursday and flown to Guwahati later.

Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) Chairman J. Radhakrishnan said safety gear, including harnesses, had been in use but the sudden collapse left little chance of survival.

State authorities are coordinating with BHEL’s safety team to investigate the cause of the structural failure. The tragedy has renewed concerns over worksite safety and oversight in large infrastructure projects.

Officials said enquiries are underway, and action against responsible contractors will follow once the probe is completed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Safety gear "in use" but still 9 deaths? Something doesn't add up. These construction companies need to be held accountable. Migrant workers are often exploited with poor safety standards. Hope the investigation brings justice.
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Arjun K
Respect to Tamil Nadu government for arranging the special flight and providing compensation quickly. At least the families will get some closure. But we need permanent solutions - stricter safety audits and regular inspections at all construction sites.
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Sarah B
As someone working in industrial safety, this is a classic case of safety protocols being on paper only. Working at 45 meters height requires multiple safety measures. The fact that they were all new recruits suggests inadequate training. Very preventable tragedy.
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Vikram M
Om Shanti 🙏 These workers are the real heroes building our nation's infrastructure. Their sacrifice should not be in vain. Hope this tragedy leads to better safety standards across all construction projects in India.
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Michael C
While I appreciate the government's swift response, I'm concerned that these incidents keep happening. We need stronger enforcement of labor laws and better protection for migrant workers who often don't know their rights. The investigation must be transparent.
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Ananya R
So young and just starting their careers 😢 This hits close to home as my cousin also

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