Nine dead after mishap at under-construction thermal power plant in Chennai, PM Modi announces ex-gratia

Atleast nine people died after an under-construction thermal power plant collapsed in Chennai on Tuesday. The injured workers were immediately transported to Stanley Government Hospital in North Chennai, where they are receiving intensive medical care. Tamil Nadu Electricity Board Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan and TANGEDCO Chairman visited the hospital to check on the condition of the victims.

According to initial reports, the victims were engaged in ongoing construction activities at the power plant when the scaffolding structure suddenly collapsed, trapping them underneath.

Exact cause of collapse yet to be determined: Officials 

The Avadi Police Commissionerate confirmed the rescue efforts and stated that the exact cause of the collapse is yet to be determined. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances leading to the accident.

"A tragic accident occurred at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station construction site today. Preliminary reports state one worker sustained grievous injuries, while more than 10 others are to have been seriously hurt in the collapse incident. The victims have been rushed to Stanley Government Hospital in North Chennai. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident," said the Commissionerate. 

PM condoles loss of lives, announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh

Following the incident, PM Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and wished speedy recovery for those injured in the accident. The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia from PMNRF of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

The Prime Minister’s Office posted on X, “Saddened by the mishap due to the collapse of a building in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families in this difficult hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi."