Two labourers died while four were injured after a mound of earth caved in at a construction site inside All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) premises on Wednesday afternoon.
According to senior police officials, six workers got trapped in debris while they were resting, right opposite to the Centre for Dental Education and Research (CDER). The incident occurred around 12:20 PM at the new AIIMS building at Masjid Moth.
The deceased were identified as Vinod (35) and Islam (30). The four injured were identified as Vinay 30, Ibrahim (42), Nasib (30) and Ranjeet.
An FIR and a case of negligence was registered at South Delhi’s Hauz Khaz police station under IPC sections 288 (Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings), 337 (Unnatural offences) and 304 A (Causing death by negligence.)
While one labourer died during the rescue operation, the other succumbed to his injuries at Safdarjung hospital. Remaining three labourers were rushed to Safdarjung hospital from where they were shifted to Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre (JPNATC).
Police, fire department and other agencies were informed and a rescue operation was launched. Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also rushed to the spot.
“A PCR call was made at around 12:30 pm informing about earth slide at construction of mother-cum-child OPD,” said Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat.
“A three-level parking was under construction. Construction of first level was on at 14.5 meter into the earth. The construction agency was building a concrete wall to retain the earth,” he said while adding, “The mound of earth slid trapping five labourers into it.”
Two fire tenders, 12 PCR vans, two CAT ambulances and NDRF and NDMC teams rushed to spot. Besides, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Hauz Khas also visited the spot to enquire about the incident but none was available to give any comments.
According to AIIMS spokesperson Amit Gupta, “Three construction workers suffered serious injuries and were brought to JPNATC where their condition is said to be stable.” However, he added, “The three labourers have been sent to Centre for Observation after conducting various tests.”
Director of AIIMS MC Mishra also visited the site along with senor officials and met Delhi police officials inspecting on site. Sources from AIIMS told The Pioneer that the contractual firm Ahluwalia Contract India limited, the one that had executed projects, including that of Fortis Super Specialty Hospital and Artemis Hospital Health Institute, had indicated that all workers were insured and claims will be settled expeditiously.
Besides, Hospital Services Consultancy Corporation limited Chairman Gyanesh Pandey also visited the site and took stock of the situation.
Meanwhile, The Pioneer noticed a billboard hanging on the gate at the construction site informing of National Safety week from March 4 to 10, and it read, “Suraksha-Niyomon Ka Karo Samman, Na Hogi Durghatna, Na Honge Pareshan. (Respect safety rules to avoid any untoward incident and problems).”