Wall Collapse at Gurugram Sewage Plant Construction Site Kills Seven Migrant Workers; Two Officials Arrested Over Safety Lapses
A tragic accident at an under-construction sewage treatment facility in Gurugram on Monday evening claimed the lives of seven migrant labourers and left four others injured after a retaining wall suddenly gave way, triggering a mound of soil and debris that buried several workers beneath it.
Police officials confirmed that two project authorities were taken into custody on Tuesday after a criminal case was registered alleging serious violations of safety norms at the site.
Recalling the horrifying moments leading up to the collapse, Shivakant, a labourer from Nepal who survived the accident with injuries, described the chaos that unfolded.
“Suddenly, everything went dark,k and people started running. Before we could understand what was happening, iron rods and debris began falling from above,” he said, still shaken by the incident.
According to investigators, approximately 15 to 20 labourers were working on the site of the Signature Global residential project in Sidhrawali village when the wall collapsed.
The sudden failure of the structure triggered a slide of loose earth and rubble that trapped several workers underneath.
Residents and emergency personnel quickly joined rescue operations, digging through the debris to locate the trapped labourers.
The injured workers were pulled out and transported to nearby hospitals in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, just a few kilometres from the construction site.
The arrests were made after police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the developer company Signature Global’s project “City of Colours”, the contracting firm Balaji Construction Company (BICPL), and several officials overseeing the work.
The complaint that led to the case was submitted at the Bilaspur police station by the brother of Satish, one of the deceased labourers.
The complaint alleged that the developer, the contracting agency, the site supervisor, the project manager, the safety officer and contractor Deendayal Sharma failed to ensure proper safety arrangements at the construction site.
It further claimed that workers were not provided with adequate protective gear or necessary safeguards to prevent accidents.
Police identified the two arrested individuals as Dinesh Veer, the project manager and a resident of Hathras district in Uttar Pradesh, and Vikas Pandey, a structural engineer originally from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.
Both were apprehended in Gurugram and are expected to be produced before a court on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Lal, another Nepali labourer who sustained injuries to his head, legs and shoulder, was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bhiwadi.
Speaking from his hospital bed, he recounted the frightening moments of the incident. “We were working on the other side of the wall when it suddenly collapsed.
We tried to run, but falling rods struck us before we could escape,” he said.
Another injured worker, Inderjeet, also from Nepal, said the accident had left their families devastated. “Our wives and children are extremely worried and crying continuously,” he said. Around twelve Nepali workers are staying together near the construction site in labour accommodation.
We receive a salary of ₹19,000 a month along with lodging facilities, but we have to manage the rest of our expenses ourselves. We were provided helmets and safety shoes.”
Authorities confirmed that the bodies of the seven deceased workers have been transferred to the Gurugram mortuary, where post-mortem examinations will be conducted.
Police added that the investigation into the case is ongoing and legal proceedings have been initiated under relevant provisions of the law.
In response to the tragedy, Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar has ordered a magisterial inquiry to determine the exact cause of the collapse and identify those responsible.
The investigation committee will be led by Manesar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Darshan Yadav and will include the Assistant Commissioner of Police from Pataudi, the District Town Planner (Enforcement), and an Executive Engineer from the Public Works Department.
Reacting to the incident, a spokesperson for Signature Global (India) Ltd. expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives at the Sidhrawali construction site.
The company said it was extending its condolences to the bereaved families and had immediately dispatched its teams to assist with rescue and relief operations.
The company stated that preliminary findings suggest negligence on the part of the construction contractor, Balajee Infratech & Constructions Pvt. Ltd. A show-cause notice has been issued to the contractor, asking them to clarify the circumstances that led to the accident.
The developer also announced the formation of an independent internal investigation to examine the incident thoroughly and has temporarily suspended three personnel associated with the project pending the outcome of the inquiry.
In addition, the company said it is providing immediate financial aid, medical assistance and logistical support to the injured workers and the families of those who lost their lives.
It emphasised that the organisation remains committed to maintaining strict safety standards at all construction sites and has initiated a review of safety procedures across its ongoing projects to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The incident has once again raised serious questions about labour safety practices at large construction projects, particularly those employing migrant workers who often operate under hazardous conditions with limited oversight.
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