Worker killed in Chennai construction site accident
- A worker died after an iron gate fell on him at a construction site in Madipakkam, Chennai.
- The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Karthik from Andhra Pradesh.
- Police have filed a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Factories Act.
- Investigations are ongoing to determine if safety protocols were followed.
A 32-year-old construction worker died in Chennai on Sunday after a heavy iron gate collapsed on him at a site in Madipakkam. The incident took place in the morning hours, according to police.
The deceased has been identified as Karthik, a native of Andhra Pradesh who had been working at the site for the past few months. He was part of a crew tasked with fixing the main entrance gate when the structure gave way.
Gate collapses during installation
Witnesses told police that the iron gate, which weighed several hundred kilograms, toppled suddenly while workers were trying to align it. Karthik could not move out of the way in time. The gate landed on him, crushing his torso.
Other workers rushed to lift the gate and pulled him out. He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination at the Government Royapettah Hospital.
Police register case
Madipakkam police have registered a case under Section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Factories Act. No arrests have been made so far.
“We are investigating whether proper safety measures were in place. Statements from the site supervisor and other workers are being recorded,” said a police officer familiar with the case. The contractor overseeing the project is expected to be questioned.
Safety concerns at construction sites
This incident is the latest in a series of fatal accidents at construction sites in the Chennai metropolitan area. Labour rights groups have repeatedly flagged inadequate safety gear, lack of training and poor enforcement of regulations as persistent problems.
According to official data, Tamil Nadu reports over 200 construction-related deaths every year. Many of these involve migrant workers from other states who are often hired on a daily-wage basis without formal contracts or insurance.
Karthik’s family in Andhra Pradesh has been informed. They are expected to arrive in Chennai to claim the body. Labour department officials said they will look into the case and ensure compensation is provided under the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act.
The site remains sealed as police and forensic teams complete their inspection. A detailed report is awaited.