Chennai Steel Arch Collapse Kills 9 Workers; PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia

At least nine workers were killed and several others injured on Tuesday after a steel arch under construction collapsed at the Ennore Thermal Power Station site in north Chennai, police officials confirmed.

Victims and Rescue Efforts

According to Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), most of the deceased workers were from Assam and nearby regions. One person sustained serious injuries and has been admitted to Stanley Government Hospital in north Chennai, where other injured workers are also being treated.

“There was an unfortunate incident at the Ennore Thermal Power construction site where a steel arch fell, killing nine people. These workers were from Assam and nearby areas. One person is injured. BHEL officials are present at the spot,” Radhakrishnan told reporters.

Probe Underway

Police officials said more than 10 workers were hurt in the collapse, with rescue operations ongoing. The Avadi Police Commissionerate said the exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined, and an investigation is underway.

PM Modi Reacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident on X, announcing financial aid for the victims’ families.

“Saddened by the mishap due to the collapse of a building in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families in this difficult hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” the PMO said in a statement.