RESCUERS are continuing their search for four Bangladeshi construction workers believed buried under rubble after the structure they were working on collapsed on them late last night.
Penang deputy police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said the task force is fighting against time to rescue the workers still listed as missing.
“We managed to remove about 80% of the beams and scaffolding,” he told journalists at the site.
The structure near the DHL cargo warehouse facility in Batu Maung collapsed, possibly due to soil erosion.
It sent scaffolding, tiles, zinc and concrete slabs falling on some 15 construction workers who were on-site, as the site is listed as a fast tracking project.
As of 5pm, three workers had died while two were seriously injured.
Several other workers escaped or were pulled out by neighbouring residents while others were away performing their evening prayers.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, when visiting the scene, said the beams needed to be shifted first or it could endanger the rescuers.
The two injured are being treated at the Penang Hospital.
Based on initial reports, there were 18 construction workers at the site.
All the beams fell onto the workers, trapping them below.
Usuf said police have identified the four still missing.
The workers were aged between 22 and 46.
Penang Island City Council Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran said investigations would be carried out by relevant authorities such as the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, and the council.
He said the project was expected to be completed next month or early January. – The Vibes, November 29, 2023
