11 workers killed in wall collapse at Haryana construction site

Eleven workers died while 12 others were today injured as the retaining wall at a construction site collapsed at Dhanaura village in the district here.

Of the 12 injured workers, seven have been referred to PGI Rohtak while the rest have been admitted to the Civil Hospital at Narnaul, said Deputy Commissioner Atul Kumar.

About 50 workers were engaged in the construction of a stone crusher at the construction site of which 23 were working at a depth of 15-ft between the walls, he said.

Suddenly, the retaining wall collapsed and the workers were trapped under the debris, he said, adding that the incident took place at around 12.30 P.M.

While 10 workers died on the spot, one succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital, Kumar said.

Haryana labour Minister Capt. Abhimanyu expressed deep sorrow and ordered an inquiry into the mishap. He also directed the officers of the labour department to immediately provide relief to the affected families.

Abhimanyu announced immediate financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to the family of each of the deceased workers from the Building Construction Workers Welfare Board.

The compensation under the Employees Compensation Act shall also be provided as per the law at between Rs 6 to 8 lakh depending on the age of the workers.

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar lal Khattar has ordered an investigation into the incident and also announced Rs 1 lakh each, under an insurance scheme, for the next of kin of those who lost their lives along with Rs 2 lakh each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

He also announced Rs 50,000 each for those injured in the incident, an official spokesman said here.

Khattar said that free treatment would be provided to the injured even as he expressed sympathy for the members of the bereaved families.

He said that action would be taken against any person found to be responsible for the tragedy.