Navi Mumbai: Seven workers were critically injured after a balcony slab collapsed from the 9th floor of an under-construction building in Panvel’s Thana Naka area on Wednesday night. The workers fell along with the slab to the 3rd floor, resulting in severe injuries.
The incident took place around 8 pm at the Kailas Park building site, where slab concreting work was in progress. According to initial investigations by Panvel City Police, the accident occurred due to gross negligence by the builder, the labour contractor, and the centering contractor.
A case has been registered against all three, and further legal action is underway. Police officials reported that there was inadequate lighting at the site, and improper centering work had been carried out.
Rescue efforts underway after balcony slab collapse injures seven workers at Panvel’s Kailas Park site | File Photo
Moreover, the workers were not provided with any basic safety gear, such as helmets or safety belts, which are crucial during such high-risk construction activities. Despite these lapses, the seven workers were instructed to continue working in the dark. Around 8 pm, the balcony slab suddenly gave way, crashing down from the 9th floor to the 3rd floor.
All seven workers who were on the slab at the time plunged along with it, sustaining multiple injuries. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“Following a preliminary probe, we have found that the accident was a result of carelessness and lack of safety measures. Hence, a case of negligence has been registered against the builder, labour contractor, and centering contractor,” said a police officer from Panvel City police station.
