1 dead, 7 injured as under-construction rooftop collapses in Khagrachhari

A construction worker died and seven others were injured when the roof of an under-construction building of Khagrachhari Zila Parishad collapsed today (October 8, 2022).

The deceased was identified as Sazzad of College Gate area of the district, reports our Rangmati correspondent quoting Md Arifur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station.

It was learnt that the victim used paid for his study expenses working as a day labourer, the OC said.

The injured persons are undergoing treatment at Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital, he added.

The incident happened around 3:30pm today at the parking shed on the ground floor of the four-storey new building of the zila parishad.

Major Riyadul Islam, deputy commander of Khagrachhari Army Headquarters Zone said "The rescue operation is going on in coordination with the fire service. The injured have been taken to the health complex. Three workers are still missing."

When asked about the cause of the accident, he said, "The roof was being welded. There might have been a mistake. The exact reason will come up in the investigation."

Rajesh Barua, station officer of Khagrachhari Fire Service, told The Daily Star, "We received information around 3:30pm and started the rescue operation immediately. We have recovered a body. The workers said two to three more people were trapped. Our rescue operation is still going on."

Zila Parishad Chairman Mongsuipru Chowdhury said legal action will be taken against the concerned contractor company.

He announced to stand by the families of the victims.