Jhansi: Three labourers were
rescued and two others missing even as the Army today assisted
civil authorities in clearing debris after a 220-metre high
under-construction chimney collapsed at a power station, 30 km
from here.
"Family members of only two labourers Shyam Sunder and
Mewalal, both hailing from Chirgaon, have claimed that the duo
has not reached home and were missing after the incident,"
Additional Director General of Police (law and order) Brij Lal
told reporters in Lucknow.
While eyewitnesses said that some labourers might still be
trapped under the debris, Brij Lal said as per police report
only five labourers were present at the spot when the chimney
at Parichcha thermal power station collapsed yesterday.
"Of them, three were rescued and admitted to hospital from
where two were discharged. Only one labourer, Kasim, is still
undergoing treatment," the ADG said.
"There is no casualty as of now," he said.
Brij Lal said Executive Engineer of the power plant Ganesh
Prasad Srivastava has lodged an FIR against National Building
Construction Corporation, DGM S K Chopra, M/s VJMC and M/s
Vishwakarma Company engaged in the contraction work.
"Rescue and relief work continues and senior officials
including divisional commissioner and district magistrate are
camping on the spot," he said, adding the army was assisting
in the rescue and relief operation.
On apprehensions that several labourers were still
trapped, SSP Jhansi Vinod Kumar Dohare said a clear picture
would emerge only after the debris was removed completely.
"It could take two to three days to remove the entire
debris," chief project officer Dinesh Agarwal said.
Officials said the chimney had collapsed during lunch time
when most of the labourers were not present at the site.
Power department sources claimed there were inputs that
the chimney was slightly titled and directives had been issued
to rectify it.
"As the structure was made from iron, gas cutters were
being used, besides machines of different agencies including
NHAI and BHEL to remove the debris," an official spokesman
said in Lucknow.
Chief Minister Mayawati had alleged that the quality of
work done by the executing agency, a central government
undertaking, was of "low standard" and had directed the
officers to write to the Centre recommending action against
NBCC.
PTI
