Date:07/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/07/stories/2006120720630300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Three killed as scaffolding collapses at building site

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Three labourers were killed on Wednesday when the scaffolding of a building under construction on Jigani Road on the outskirts of the city, collapsed.

The police said the building was being constructed by biotechnology major, Biocon, at a place off Hosur Road.

According to the police, around 11.30 a.m. five labourers were removing the jacks supporting the scaffolding on the third floor of the building when the roof caved in.

While four of them were buried under the debris, the other had a miraculous escape. Three of them died on the spot and the other suffered severe injuries. The dead were identified as Pradhan S. Sahu (22), Sibu (23) and Zahi (25), all from Orissa. The injured, Rudra Biswas, is in a private hospital in Chandapur.

The Hebbugodi police have registered a case.

Biocon stand

Biocon has clarified that there was neither a blast nor any gas leakage at its facility.

It said four people were injured critically. They were rushed to a hospital. Three deaths were reported. Biocon has said in a press release that that action will be taken against the contractor responsible for the accident.