Two labourers critical, two injured after portico collapses at St Martha’s hospital

BENGALURU: Two labourers are critical while two others sustained injuries after an under-construction portico at St Martha’s Hospital collapsed around 6 am today.

Five labourers were working on the portico when it gave way. Rafisab and Basavaraju, both hailing from Raichur, were trapped under the debris and were rescued by the police and Fire and Emergency personnel. Moiuddin and Chand Pasha sustained injuries. All are being treated at the same hospital.

Initially, it was planned to use an excavator to clear the debris. However, it was given up considering that people may be trapped under the collapsed portico which was about 60 feet in height.

Hospital PRO Anto Deol said construction of the portico was taken up about two months ago and roofing work was being done over the last two days.

“Work was going on at night and the incident occurred around 6 am today. Of the four labourers, two are critical while two others sustained injuries. Their treatment is going on and the hospital will bear the cost. We will have to speak to the engineer and contractor to find out what went wrong”, he said.