29-11-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Tragedy struck on Tuesday (Nov 28) when the roof frame of a logistics warehouse under construction in Penang collapsed, resulting in the deaths of three construction workers. The incident occurred at Batu Maung, where two of the victims lost their lives on-site, while another succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
Mohamad Usuf Jan Mohamad, the deputy police chief of Penang, confirmed the details, stating that two severely injured workers were rushed to Penang Hospital for treatment, while four others are believed to be trapped under the debris.
“At 9.45 pm, we received information about the incident, reporting that 18 construction workers were feared trapped following the collapse of the under-construction building,” shared the deputy police chief during a press conference held at the site.
However, the police later discovered that nine of the initially reported 18 workers were not present at the time as they had gone out for prayers.
One of the survivors, 43-year-old Mohidul Islam, described the terrifying ordeal. He revealed that he had been working on the top floor of the warehouse with four others when he decided to take a break and left his workstation.
“Suddenly I heard a loud noise, and the situation became chaotic after realizing that the structure under construction had collapsed,” he recounted.
“I have only been working at this project site for three months… I am very sad because I have friends who died in the incident,” he added, expressing gratitude that he had narrowly avoided the accident.
Another worker, Md Ikhtiar, shared his experience of the incident. He had been working on the ground floor when he felt the building swaying.
“I immediately left the building upon hearing screams from other workers and witnessed the collapse,” the 38-year-old explained.
“One of the victims was rescued from the rubble, but unfortunately, his condition was critical, and he passed away shortly after,” he added.
Search and rescue operations continued into Wednesday morning, with authorities issuing a stop work order. The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) released a statement indicating that heavy machinery was being employed to remove the collapsed structure.
“A crane has been utilized to lift the heavy beam structure blocking the entrance to the collapsed building, and this task will require some time,” the statement read.
However, the rescue team encountered difficulties in lifting the fallen beams to reach the trapped victims.
“The beams are heavy and large concrete structures. We require machinery to clear the area and lift them so that the rescue team can access the victims. We are employing a crane and the services of a tracker to detect any unreported victims,” explained the JBPM.
“We will continue the operation until all the victims are located and rescued,” they added, emphasizing their commitment to the ongoing mission.
