Chennai, 19 June (H.S.): In a significant development following the tragic concrete beam collapse at the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) site on Mount-Poonamallee Road, four engineers have been dismissed, and the contractor has been fined Rs 1 crore, authorities announced today. The incident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, claimed the life of 43-year-old C Ramesh, a service engineer crushed under a 40-foot pre-cast beam, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

The collapse, attributed to a faulty supporting A-frame, led to an immediate investigation by CMRL. The latest update reveals that the inquiry committee, constituted post-accident, identified gross negligence in safety protocols, leading to the dismissal of the four engineers involved in overseeing the construction near the L&T head office in Manapakkam. CMRL spokesperson L Girirajan stated, “This action underscores our zero-tolerance policy toward safety lapses.”

The contractor, responsible for the phase II corridor project from Poonamallee to Nandambakkam, has been slapped with a Rs 1 crore penalty to cover compensation and remedial measures. Recovery operations, completed after five hours using heavy-duty cranes, cleared the debris, but the incident caused significant traffic disruptions. Ramesh’s family, including his wife Rekha and 10-year-old daughter, received interim relief of Rs 10 lakh, with further compensation under review.

Public reaction has intensified, with social media amplifying demands for stricter safety audits. CMRL has pledged to deploy additional marshals and enhance safety training for workers, following criticism over recurring construction mishaps. The dismissal and fine mark the first major disciplinary action since a similar incident in 2022 injured MTC bus passengers. As Chennai Metro expands, experts urge a comprehensive overhaul of safety standards to prevent future tragedies, with the government promising a detailed report by month-end.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary