Nine migrant workers from Assam tragically died, and one was injured, when an under-construction steel roof structure collapsed at the Ennore supercritical thermal power plant in Tamil Nadu’s Special Economic Zone near Chennai on Tuesday evening.
The workers were part of a team welding iron rods about 45 meters high on a coal handling shed at Stage 4 of the project, which is about 70% complete and executed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) in partnership with a private firm. The injured worker is hospitalised in stable condition.
Authorities, including Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and police, have launched a detailed investigation, while compensation has been announced by the Prime Minister and state government for the deceased and injured workers’ families.
Tragedy at Ennore: Details and Human Impact
The accident occurred as a massive steel arch, part of the roof for a coal storage facility, suddenly gave way, causing all ten workers to fall from approximately 45 feet. Four workers died instantly, while five succumbed to injuries later at Chennai’s Stanley Medical College Hospital.
The victims were identified by name and hailed from Assam, specifically Karbi Anglong and Hojai districts. A survivor clung to the frame and was rescued with injuries. Authorities confirmed that the workers were wearing safety gear at the time. TANGEDCO Chairman Dr J Radhakrishnan visited the hospital and inquiry is underway to understand the structural failure.
Background and Safety Concerns
The Ennore thermal power project, with a total planned capacity of 1,320 MW, is under phased construction with earlier stages operational. The tragic incident has brought worker safety under scrutiny, especially of contractual migrant labourers who form the backbone of large infrastructure projects.
Although safety measures were reportedly in place, such sudden collapses highlight potential gaps in enforcement and structural assessments. The injured worker’s condition is stable, but the tragedy has raised urgent questions about safety protocols in industrial projects where high-risk construction work is done at great heights.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The deaths of nine migrant workers in Ennore is a grim reminder that economic progress must never overshadow fundamental human rights and safety. Migrant workers contribute immensely to India’s development yet remain vulnerable due to inadequate safeguards and systemic oversight.
The Logical Indian calls for a renewed commitment from companies and regulators to prioritise worker safety with rigorous standards and transparent accountability.
