Pune, July 29 (IANS) Nine labourers were killed and four others injured when the slab of an under-construction 14-storied building collapsed here on Friday morning, officials said.
The accident occurred when 13 labourers were working on the 13th floor of the upcoming building, Park Express of the Pride Purple Group, in Balewadi, when the slab suddenly crashed and all the workers fell in a heap below.
While eight were killed instantly, one more succumbed while being rushed to the Sassoon Hospital. All the victims hailed from Bihar and worked as contract labour at the site.
Later this evening, Municipal Commissioner Kunal Kumar said that the accident was the result of an "illicit construction" by the builders who had flouted norms by constructing an additional floor against the permission for only 12 storeys.
However, in a statement, an official representing the builders denied the civic officials' contention and claimed the work was proceeding after securing all proper clearances and permissions from the authorities concerned.
Pune Mayor Prashant Jagtap said the authorities would probe the incident and initiate strict action against those found guilty.
"We have taken this incident very seriously. We shall order an inspection of all such construction sites now to ascertain whether they are employing adequate safety measures for the workers," he said.
Meanwhile, police have summoned the buildings owners and construction contractors for investigations.
