A tragic construction accident at the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital in Sanathnagar, Hyderabad claimed one life and left four workers injured on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred when a makeshift lift carrying construction materials collapsed from the fifth floor to the ground level.
The Fatal Incident Details
The deceased has been identified as Bhanu Chandu, a 24-year-old sub-contractor from Ongole in Andhra Pradesh. The accident took place around 4 pm when the temporary lift installed near the emergency ward for renovation work suddenly gave way. Chandu suffered severe head injuries and was buried under debris, leading to his immediate death at the scene.
According to police officials, the lift was designed to carry only three marble slabs safely, but workers were transporting five slabs at the time of the accident. This significant overload caused the platform to buckle and collapse. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of SR Nagar, SV Raghavendra Rao, confirmed that the connecting wire snapped during the operation, sending the platform crashing to the ground.
Condition of Injured Workers
Four other workers sustained injuries in the devastating collapse. Two workers - Raghupati and Mohan - remain in critical condition with multiple injuries to their head and chest. They are currently undergoing comprehensive medical tests including CT scans and ultrasounds.
The other two injured workers, Mallesham and Masaiah, suffered minor injuries and multiple fractures but have since shown recovery. District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) of Hyderabad, J Venkati, provided updates on their medical conditions and treatment progress.
Official Response and Investigation
Police authorities have announced that a case will be registered against the contractor, V Nagaraju, for negligence leading to the fatal accident. The temporary lift was specifically installed to transport construction materials during the ongoing renovation work at the government hospital.
Dr Shirish Kumar G Chavan, Dean of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, expressed regret over the incident, stating, "We tried to save the worker but could not. Two are critical and are undergoing tests and treatment. The two stable workers have fractures and multiple injuries."
Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha has expressed grief over the tragic incident and has contacted senior health officials to gather complete details about the accident circumstances.
Family Tragedy Unfolds
Chandu's family members reached the hospital around 6:30 pm and were reportedly inconsolable. A relative shared that the young worker had been involved in construction contract work for the past two years. Chandu was unmarried and was the primary caregiver for his two sisters and parents, making the loss particularly devastating for the family.
The incident has raised serious questions about workplace safety standards at construction sites, particularly regarding the use of temporary equipment and adherence to load capacity limits. Authorities continue to investigate the exact sequence of events that led to this preventable tragedy.
