Chennai: 1 killed, 7 hurt as compound wall collapses

Chennai: A 24-year-old contract worker with the city corporation  was killed while seven others, including four women,  were injured after a compound wall collapsed on them near KK Nagar on Thursday evening. The workers were engaged in repair work of the stormwater drain when the compound wall collapsed and fell on them, police said.  

The deceased, Sanjay,  is a resident of Kakkanji colony in Villivakkam. He, along with seven others, was working in a six-foot deep trench on Munusamy street near Amudham bus stop when the wall caved and fell on them. A generator, placed on the wall, fell on Sanjay killing him on the spot.

Police said that the repair works had started three days ago. The incident happened around 5 pm. Sanjay and three others- Elumalai (28), Govindammal (29) and Ramakrishnan (38) were working inside the trench while four others were working a few feet away.

Onlookers rushed to the aid of the workers after hearing a loud sound, secured the workers from the debris, moved Sanjay and others to a hospital where Sanjay was declared brought dead. His body was then moved to the Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for an autopsy. The others are undergoing treatment for their injuries. Four other workers- Nagappan (27), Saraswathi (29), Santhi (48) and Meera (50) were discharged after treated for minor injuries.   

KK Nagar police have registered cases under section IPC 304A (Causing death by negligence.), 337 (Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others.) against the contractors and are investigating.