Tragic Mudslide Claims Life During Petrol Bunk Renovation in Trichy
A devastating mudslide during renovation work at a defunct petrol bunk near Perambalur in Trichy district resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man and left three others with minor injuries on Tuesday. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols at construction sites, particularly during the renovation of old structures.
Victims Identified in the Fatal Accident
Police have identified the deceased as K Velusamy, a resident of Kalarampatti. The injured individuals include S Vinod Kumar (35), S Chitrarasu (49), and P Devaraj (65), all hailing from the same village. The tragic event unfolded while they were engaged in renovation activities at the site.
Details of the Incident and Rescue Operations
The petrol bunk, located in Elambalur village along the Chennai-Trichy National Highway, had been closed for approximately 10 years. Recently, a group of nine workers was hired to clear litter and silt from the premises to facilitate the construction of a new building. On Tuesday afternoon, as the workers were attempting to remove an underground fuel container, a sudden mudslide occurred, trapping Velusamy under a massive pile of mud. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot, according to police reports.
Local authorities swiftly responded to the emergency, rescuing the injured workers and transporting them to the Perambalur Government Hospital for medical treatment. The police have registered a case and launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the mudslide, focusing on potential lapses in safety measures.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with renovation projects, especially those involving old infrastructure like defunct petrol bunks. The investigation aims to determine whether proper safety protocols were followed during the removal of the underground container and the overall renovation process. Authorities are also examining the structural stability of the site prior to the commencement of work.
The community in Trichy and surrounding areas has been left in shock by the tragedy, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of construction safety regulations. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the factors that contributed to this fatal mudslide.
