Three workers killed as roof of bakery unit collapses

Published September 18, 2016
THE debris of the factory which collapsed after a chiller blast near Shahpur Kanjran. — White Star
THE debris of the factory which collapsed after a chiller blast near Shahpur Kanjran. — White Star

LAHORE: Three labourers were killed while as many others suffered injuries when the roof of a factory collapsed shortly after a chiller exploded in Shahpur Kanjran, police said on Saturday.

Initial reports suggested that the incident took place when sweets were being prepared at the bakery unit located on Multan Road.

Police said more than 10 employees were working when the chiller exploded and a portion of the roof caved in. Six workers were trapped under the debris while others managed to move away, according to a police official.

He said rescuers had to face a great deal of inconvenience due to a lack of access to the affected area.

Three of the trapped employees lost their lives at the spot while others were rushed to the nearby hospitals, he said adding the deceased were identified as Safdar, Khyzer and Waqas.

Quoting relatives of the deceased workers, the police official said the factory management had closed the main gate as a result rescuers could not get quick access to the affected area.

He said: “It is yet to be ascertained as to why the main entrance was closed by the management instead of helping rescuers in reaching the area.”

On the basis of these allegations two supervisors were taken into custody, the police official said adding action would be taken against the factory owner and others on the basis of the statements of injured workers.

A joint inquiry was launched by the police as well as the city district government authorities, he said.

Meanwhile, residents also staged a demonstration against the factory owner and the management for not following safety protocol.

The district coordination officer has ordered an inquiry into the roof collapse incident and directed the department concerned to submit a detailed report.

Taking notice of the incident, the chief minister has sought reports from the respective government departments, including CDGL and the police. He also directed the health department to ensure treatment to the injured.

The CM announced Rs500,000 each for the deceased workers.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.