Jhansi: A chimney being constructed by a Central agency at Parichcha thermal power station collapsed in Jhansi on Monday, leaving at least six labourers injured. Many workers are still feared trapped under the debris.
About 220-metre high chimney, works of which were taken up by the National Building Construction Corporation, fell down and several labourers are believed to be trapped in the debris. Six of them were taken out, SSP Vinod Kumar Dohre said.
Army has been called in for rescue operation. The accident occurred during the lunch time while labourers were taking rest, police said.
Power department sources claimed that there were inputs suggesting that the chimney was slightly lop-sided and directives had been issued to rectify it. The accident site is some 30 km from the district headquarters.
"As the structure was made of iron, gas cutters and machines of different agencies, including NHAI and BHEL to remove the debris," an officials spokesman said in Lucknow.
Chief Minister Mayawati alleged that the work was sub-standard and directed the officers to write to the Centre recommending action against NBCC.
She said the NBCC was warned of poor quality of the construction.