Three migrant workers killed at construction site in Piravom

Three migrant workers killed in hill collapse during excavation work near Piravom, Kochi; rescue efforts ongoing for one worker.

Three migrant workers, who were engaged in excavation work, were killed after a hillock collapsed on them at Peppathy near Piravom on Wednesday evening.

The accident took place in Pankappilli area around 5.30 p.m. The nearly 30-feet-tall hill caved in as the workers were engaged in excavation work for the construction of a building. Though Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Piravom brought out the two workers after an hour-long mission, they could not be saved. Efforts to bring out the body of the other worker were in progress.

The deceased persons, all in their 30s, were identified as hailing from West Bengal, the police said.

Labour Minister V. Sivankutty directed the District Labour Officer (DLO) to investigate the incident and submit a report. He also instructed the DLO to make all necessary arrangements for transporting the bodies of the deceased to their native places.

The minister has also sought a report from the District Collector on the incident.