GEORGE TOWN: Three construction workers were confirmed dead as of 1.40am after the roof of a logistics warehouse under construction in Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas collapsed yesterday.
Penang deputy police chief Mohamad Usuf Jan Mohamad said two of the victims died at the site while another died at the hospital.
Mohamad Usuf added that two workers who were seriously injured had been sent to Penang Hospital for treatment while four others were believed to have been buried under the rubble.
He said search and rescue efforts were being made by the fire and rescue department (JBPM).
He also said the identity of those who died had yet to be determined.
“We received information about the incident at 9.45pm, claiming 18 construction workers were feared trapped when a building under construction collapsed. However, we were notified that nine of the 18 had actually gone out for prayers.
“During the incident, the workers were working under a 12m beam that weighed about 14 tonnes. The beam collapsed over the workers and piled up over other beams there.
“Two of them died at the site while another died at Penang Hospital,” he said in a press conference at the site.
Mohamad Usuf said cranes were being used to lift the fallen structure so that the search and rescue team could start looking for victims trapped under the rubble.
Penang JBPM deputy director Zulfahmi Sutaji said the collapsed area was as big as a basketball court. Zulfahmi also said the K9 dog unit would be called in to assist in the search and rescue operation if needed.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh consulate Shaik Ismail Allaudin said they were still waiting for details of the victims involved.
“We cannot issue any statements before knowing any information officially. I have asked the contractor to provide details of the victims. Although we know they are from Bangladesh, we need documents to identify them before making any statements,” he said.
