Chennai: A worker at the Ennore Thermal Power Station construction site in Tamil Nadu described the harrowing moment when a steel arch collapsed, claiming the lives of nine migrant workers on Tuesday.

“I am new here. I don’t know the name of that part (of the arch) very well. But it was the middle connection. Suddenly, there was a noise, and that middle part fell out, and then everything else just collapsed,” the worker told reporters.

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Arch collapse at Chennai power plant construction site kills 9, injures several

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government is working with Tamil Nadu authorities to facilitate the return of the mortal remains of the victims.

“The State government is coordinating with the authorities in Tamil Nadu to bring back the mortal remains of the nine migrant workers who reportedly succumbed to death after falling down at a construction site at Minjur, Thiruvallur district on Tuesday,” he said.

"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. My deepest condolences to their families and well wishers," Sarma added.

The deceased are Munna Kemprai, Sorbojit Thausen, Phaibit Fanglu, Bidayum Porbosa, Paban Sorong, Prayanto Sorong, Suman Kharikap, Dimaraj Thousen, and Dipak Raijung.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a compensation of 10 lakh for the families of each victim.

In a post on X, Stalin also expressed his sorrow over the deaths of nine workers and extended his condolences to their families.

"I was deeply saddened to hear the news that nine workers from the state of Assam lost their lives in an accident that occurred during the construction work of the power plant being carried out by #BHEL company in Ennore. I convey my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives... I have also ordered that a compensation of Rs.10 lakhs each be provided to the families of the deceased workers, and that measures be taken to transport their bodies to their home state," wrote Stalin.

Additionally, the Tamil Nadu CM stated that he has instructed the state electricity minister and the Chairman of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) to visit the site and undertake relief work.

"I have instructed the Honorable Minister for Electricity, Thiru.@Sivasankar1ss, and the Chairman of @TANGEDCO_Offcl, Thiru. @Rakr, to immediately go to the site and carry out relief work," added Stalin.

According to Dr J Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO), these workers were from Assam and the surrounding areas.

"There was an unfortunate incident at the Ennore Thermal Power construction site where a steel arch fell and nine people died. These people were from Assam and the surrounding areas. One person is injured. BHEL officials are present at the spot," Radhakrishnan told reporters.

According to police officials, the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, and authorities are conducting a further probe into the matter (ANI)