A devastating incident occurred late Sunday night in Vikhroli (West), Mumbai, when a metal sheet shed collapsed at an under-construction Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) building, resulting in the deaths of a security guard and his 10-year-old son. The collapse took place at approximately 11.10pm during heavy rainfall. The site is near Kailash Business Park.
The deceased, identified as Nagesh Reddy (38) and his son Rohit Reddy, were declared brought dead upon arrival at Rajawadi Hospital. The tragic event unfolded when Rohit visited the construction site to deliver food to his father. Senior Inspector Santosh Ghatekar from Parksite police station confirmed the details of the incident. Initially, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that a portion of the parapet and a slab from the under-construction building had fallen. However, SRA officials later clarified that it was actually a metal sheet that had collapsed. The sheet was erected above the ground floor as a safety measure to prevent construction materials from falling. It was supported by angles and complemented by a net encircling the building. The sheet fell from a height of about 12 feet, leading to the collapse of two to three sheets.
“The building’s RCC work and plastering were completed, and the developer was in the process of installing windows. The incident appears to be an accident,” an SRA official stated. Following the incident, SRA issued a stop-work notice to the developer. The incident took place at a ground-plus-five under-construction building. The Mumbai fire brigade responded promptly to the scene, addressing parts of the slab that were precariously hanging from the structure. These were removed using rescue tools to ensure safety and prevent further accidents.
Parksite police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) regarding the incident. A BMC official remarked, “Our role is limited to providing assistance as part of disaster management at the site. The building is under SRA’s jurisdiction.”
This incident underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols at construction sites, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The unfortunate deaths of Nagesh and Rohit Reddy serve as a somber reminder of the potential hazards present in construction environments. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to scrutinise safety measures and enforcement practices to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The SRA’s immediate response in halting construction work highlights the urgency and seriousness with which such incidents must be addressed. The focus now shifts to ensuring compliance with safety standards and providing support to the affected families.
