9 Assam Migrant Workers Killed in Chennai Power Plant Construction Collapse: Officials Launch Investigation

The injured workers were transported to Chennai's Stanley government hospital.

Chennai:

Nine migrant workers from Assam lost their lives when an under-construction coal handling enclosure collapsed at the Ennore supercritical power station located on Chennai's outskirts. The incident took place inside a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) premises, with one worker sustaining injuries and currently receiving medical care.

Dr J Radhakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of TANGEDCO, confirmed the incident to NDTV, stating: "The grid fell on them from 45 feet high as they worked on a crane. It's a coal handling shed and work was on to build a cover."

The injured worker was taken to Chennai's Stanley government hospital, approximately 15 kilometres from the accident location.

When questioned about safety equipment provision, Dr Radhakrishnan affirmed: "Yes, they had complied with safety gear." He also mentioned that the injured worker remains in stable condition under medical supervision.

Officials from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) were present at the site, and authorities have initiated an investigation into what caused the accident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for each deceased worker's family. Additionally, Rs 50,000 was declared as compensation for those injured.

Saddened by the mishap due to the collapse of a building in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families in this difficult hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 30, 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed profound grief over the tragedy. In a Tamil statement, he said: "I was deeply pained to hear the news of nine workers from Assam losing their lives in the accident at the Ennore power plant construction site being executed by BHEL. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."

MK Stalin also announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for victims' families and instructed officials to arrange transportation of the bodies to Assam. He has directed Power Minister Sivasankar and senior TANGEDCO officials to personally oversee relief and recovery operations.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma offered condolences and provided details about the workers from his state.

9 migrant workers from Assam have reportedly succumbed to death after falling down at a construction site at Minjur, Thiruvallur district, today while carrying out construction works for extension of North Chennai Thermal Power Station.4 of the victims are from Karbi Anglong…

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 30, 2025

"9 migrant workers from Assam have reportedly succumbed to death after falling down at a construction site at Minjur, Thiruvallur district, today while carrying out construction works for extension of North Chennai Thermal Power Station.

"4 of the victims are from Karbi Anglong District and 5 from Hojai District. We are coordinating with authorities in Tamil Nadu to bring back their mortal remains at the earliest.

"The names of the victims are: 1. Sri Munna Kemprai2. Sri Sorbojit Thausen3. Sri Phaibit Fanglu4. Sri Bidayum Porbosa5. Sri Paban Sorong6. Sri Prayanto Sorong,7. Sri Suman Kharikap8. Sri Dimaraj Thousen9. Sri Dipak Raijung

"My deepest condolences to their families and well wishers," he wrote in a social media post.