Under construction high tension tower collapses at Phongla, 16 labourers injured

NAMCHI, 26 Aug: In a major mishap reported in the Lower Phongla area, a high tension electricity tower of the Energy & Power Department being constructed by HPCL [Hythra Power Corporation Limited] collapsed injuring 16 labourers. One of the labourers was referred to Siliguri as his condition was critical.
The incident occurred at around noon today.
Immediately after the incident SP South Manoj Tiwari, Namchi SDPO DSP Gegee Norbu and PI Namchi, CB Basnett visited the spot. The cause of the accident, as per preliminary investigation sources inform, is suspected to be the use of substandard materials in the construction of the tower and also negligence on the part of the site in-charge. These, officials add, will however be established only after a more detailed enquiry into the case.
HPCL representatives however insist that the no compromises were made in quality and add that a clearer picture will emerge after experts investigate the reasons, which will include verification of the quality of materials used.
The entire tower collapsed and due to this another power distribution line was also affected and cut off by the falling tower. All the four pillars of the tower are bent, raising suspicions on the quality of materials used.
Meanwhile, after preliminary inquiry, a case was registered at Namchi Police Station today under sections 285/ 336/ 338/ 34 of the Indian Penal Code read with under section prevention of damaging public property Act against site in-charge, site engineer of HPCL and others.
The injured laborers are admitted at the District Hospital here.