Two labourers killed after scaffolding collapse at Ahmedabad construction site

Two construction workers were killed and another seriously injured after a bamboo scaffolding collapsed at an under-construction residential building in Ambawadi, police said.

The incident occurred at Vardhman Paradise, opposite Aradhana Bhavan, when the workers were carrying out plastering work on the fourth floor without basic safety gear.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accident took place between 10.30 am and 11.30 am on January 1. The complainant, Dhirajbhai Rangjibhai, a labourer originally from Rajasthan and currently residing in the Satellite area, stated that he, along with Shantilal Manat and Devilal Gamar, was instructed to work on bamboo scaffolding erected on the exterior of the fourth floor. He alleged that the site supervisor, Naranbhai Laxmanbhai Raval, failed to provide safety belts or helmets to the workers.

While the plastering work was under way, a horizontal wooden support beneath the scaffolding reportedly gave way, causing all three workers to fall from the fourth floor. Shantilal Manat and Devilal Gamar sustained severe head injuries and were declared dead at the spot by emergency medical personnel, police said. Dhirajbhai suffered injuries to his hand, forehead and leg and was later treated at Sola Civil Hospital and SVP Hospital.

The FIR states that the supervisor left the workers to carry out the task without supervision or safety precautions. Following the collapse, residents alerted emergency services, and an 108 ambulance reached the site. The two deceased workers were taken to the hospital, where they were declared dead, while the injured worker received medical assistance later in the day.

Based on the complaint and preliminary investigation, Ellis Bridge police have registered a case against the site supervisor for criminal negligence. An unnatural death (UD) inquiry has also been initiated in connection with the two fatalities, officials said.

The police are continuing their investigation to determine compliance with workplace safety standards and to assign responsibility for the oversight that resulted in the deadly accident. The police inspector of Ellis Bridge police station confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the incident so far.