Ajman, October 03: Five workers were injured when a three-storey shopping centre in Ajman, that was under construction, partially collapsed early on Friday. Twelve other workers, however, escaped unhurt.
A top officer from Ajman Police rescue unit said there were 17 workers present at the construction site located near old Miroor bridge. When parts of the second and the third storey collapsed, the five workers were trapped under the debris and they had to be rescued by Civil Defence and rescue personnel. The injured were rushed to Khalifa Hospital.
The workers belong to Ali Moosa contracting company, which was assigned by Ajman Government to carry out the project in the Al Nuaimia area.
Dr Abdul Kareen Helim, head of the Emergency Room at Khalifa Hospital, said the condition of two of the workers was critical and three were discharged after being given first aid.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Lt.-Col.Nasser Rashid, Director of the Ajman Civil Defence Operations Room, said the rescue units and fire engines were rushed to the scene after information was received around 5.40am. Till 2pm efforts were on at the accident site to ensure that there were no more workers buried under the debris.
Khalifa Al Falasi, head of the Buildings Section, said the site had been cordoned off with the help of Ajman Police and investigations were on to find out the cause of the collapse. Samples of building material were collected for laboratory tests to check the quality.
“The municipality will not tolerate any negligence in the construction, if detected in the investigation,” Al Falasi added.
Officials and the site engineer of the contracting company refused to comment.
–Agencies