Landslide Triggers Fatal Wall Collapse at Itanagar Construction Site
A devastating landslide on Monday afternoon led to the collapse of a protection wall at an under-construction building in Itanagar, resulting in the deaths of four workers and injuries to three others. The incident occurred around 4 pm at Niti Vihar, a residential area in the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
Rescue Operation Amid Challenging Conditions
According to officials, seven workers were present at the construction site when the wall gave way, burying them under debris. Rescue teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Itanagar police, and district administration, swiftly responded to a distress call received at 4:19 pm.
The rescue operation faced significant obstacles due to continuous rainfall, which made the soil heavy and unstable. This complicated efforts to locate and extract the trapped victims. "Because of the rain, the soil became dense and unstable, making it difficult to determine the precise location of the victims. However, the rescue teams made every possible effort to retrieve them," stated Tamo Dadda, Itanagar assistant commissioner, who visited the site.
Casualties and Identification
All seven workers were eventually retrieved from the debris. Tragically, four were pronounced dead at the scene, while three sustained injuries and were admitted to Heema Hospital for treatment.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Choki Tasar
- Ratan Burman
- Godak Raja
- Godak Tabin
The injured workers are:
- Tatung Tajit
- Choki Takio
- Hasinoor Ali
Assistant Commissioner Dadda provided clarification on the initial reports, noting, "Out of the seven workers, four were found dead on the spot, while two were injured. One person was initially reported missing but was later rescued from the debris during the operation."
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
Authorities have confirmed that further details regarding the exact cause of the wall collapse are still awaited. The incident highlights the risks associated with construction activities during monsoon seasons, particularly in hilly regions prone to landslides.
The State Disaster Response Force continues to monitor the situation, and local officials are coordinating with construction authorities to assess safety protocols and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community in Itanagar has expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives, calling for stricter enforcement of construction safety standards in vulnerable areas.
