Tiruvallur tragedy: 11 construction workers killed as godown wall collapses

Chennai: At least 11 construction workers were today killed after a newly built wall of a godown adjacent to their huts collapsed near Uttarapalayam in Thiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu.

A 19-year-old youth Nagaraj was rescued from under the debris, police said.

The godown owner, Bala, has been arrested in connection with the case.

All the labourers are said to be from Andhra Pradesh. Five fire engines were pressed into service for rescue work.

The incident occurred after heavy rains lashed the area last night, police said.

Thiruvallur District Collector K Veera Raghava Rao visited the accident spot and said those responsible for the incident would be punished.

"A total of 11 people died on the spot, including four women and a child," Mr Rao told reporters.

Tamil Nadu witnessed a major tragedy when an 11-storey under construction building collapsed at Porur on June 28 in which 61 persons were killed.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha has formed a special investigation team to help Chennai building collapse probe. This special investigation team will be headed by Joint Police Commissioner.