THE death toll from the latest construction mishap to have befallen Penang has risen to three while four others are seriously injured.
Firefighters and rescue workers are racing against time to rescue what is now believed to be four foreign workers still buried under the rubble of a collapsed section of a factory building under construction here.
Penang deputy police chief Mohamad Usuf Jan Mohamad said two of the victims died at the site while another died in the hospital.
Usuf added that two workers who were seriously injured have been sent to Penang Hospital while four others are believed to be still buried under the rubble.
Following the 10.30pm incident last night, three workers were reportedly killed, while nine escaped out of 18 mainly Bangladeshi workers at the site near the DHL warehouse in Batu Maung.
They were buried under tonnes of concrete slabs and other construction materials when the roof came crashing down.
As of 6am, rescue efforts were ongoing by firefighters from three stations, police, civil defence personnel, volunteers from Rela and emergency responders.
Significant rainfall had lashed the area for the past five days.
A state fire and rescue department official at the scene said the incident occurred near the Fisheries Development Board (LKIM) headquarters in Batu Maung.
Neighbours who rushed to the collapsed section managed to pull out five workers, while some had escaped the mishap, as they were away reciting their evening prayers.
Meanwhile, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has also ordered a stop work order for the contractor of the affected construction site.
Lord Mayor and MBPP president Datuk Anthony Rajendran said the council would investigate what had transpired until up to three foreign workers lost their lives.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is also rushing to the scene to be briefed on the latest developments on the site. – The Vibes, November 29, 2023
