A 50-year-old security guard has died after a sliding gate collapsed on him at an under-construction hostel located on KG Marg in New Delhi, according to officials.
The Chenab Times has learned that the incident occurred on Sunday evening, prompting a swift response from authorities. The victim, identified as Dharampal, a resident of Hardoi district in Uttar Pradesh, was rushed to Dr RML Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Police stated they received information regarding the incident at approximately 5:08 pm on Sunday. A colleague of the deceased, Brijesh Tiwari, aged 54, informed the authorities that he and Dharampal were on their regular 9 am to 9 pm shift when the accident took place.
According to Tiwari’s account to the police, two electricians were engaged in working on the electrical connections of a pre-installed sliding gate. During their work, the gate suddenly collapsed, trapping Dharampal beneath it.
Emergency services were alerted, and the gate was subsequently lifted to free Dharampal. He was found to be unconscious and was immediately transported to Dr RML Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Following the fatality, the police initiated a case at the Parliament Street police station. The case has been registered under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to causing death by negligence.
An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the precise circumstances that led to the gate’s collapse and to establish accountability for the incident. Authorities are examining safety protocols at the construction site and the condition of the installed gate.
The incident highlights the ongoing safety concerns at numerous construction sites across the capital, particularly those involving heavy machinery and infrastructure. Such sites often operate under tight deadlines, and adherence to safety regulations is paramount to prevent tragic accidents.
Construction projects, especially those of significant scale like hostel facilities, are required to comply with stringent safety standards mandated by national and local building codes. These regulations typically cover the installation and maintenance of equipment, worker training, and on-site supervision to mitigate risks. The investigation will likely focus on whether these standards were met at the KG Marg site.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced the Indian Penal Code, introduced updated provisions concerning criminal liability for negligent acts resulting in death. Section 106(1) is intended to address situations where a person’s negligence leads to a fatality, ensuring that appropriate legal action is taken against those found responsible.
The location of the incident, KG Marg in New Delhi, is a prominent area, underscoring the accessibility and prevalence of construction activities even in central parts of the city. The collapse of a large sliding gate suggests a potential structural failure or an issue related to its installation and operation.
The deceased, Dharampal, was a migrant worker, a demographic that often faces heightened risks in construction environments due to various socio-economic factors and potential gaps in oversight. The police are expected to gather statements from all relevant parties, including site management, the construction company involved, and any witnesses present at the time of the incident.
The outcome of the investigation is anticipated to shed light on the specific factors contributing to the collapse, such as faulty installation, inadequate maintenance, or an operational error. The findings will be crucial in determining the extent of negligence, if any, and in bringing the responsible parties to justice. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of workplace safety in the construction industry.
The Chenab Times News Desk