5 construction workers injured as wall collapses in Chattogram Zoo

Five construction workers were injured when a partially built wall collapsed at the Chattogram Zoo in the Foy's Lake area last night (16 May).

The incident occurred around 11:30pm during ongoing construction work on a wall and entrance gate within the zoo premises. 

Upon receiving the news, the fire service promptly arrived at the scene and rescued the injured workers. They were then taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for treatment.

The injured have been identified as Md Arman, 30, Md Hridoy, 20, Md Rakib, 19, Md Sohel, 26, and Rony Haladar, 27. All of them are currently undergoing medical care.

"The preliminary estimate of the damage is around Tk10 lakh," said Senior Station Officer Khalilur Rahman of the Agrabad Fire Station. 

Shahadat Hossain Subha, deputy curator of the zoo, said the contractor responsible for the renovation work failed to arrange adequate safety measures during the wall construction. "As a result, the wall collapsed, injuring five workers," he added. 

He said one of the workers sustained a head injury, while the others suffered minor injuries. "All of them were released after receiving primary treatment," Shahadat added.

"Four pillars were supporting the wall. We have removed three of the vulnerable pillars. One is still standing. After inspection by engineers, we will decide what to do about the remaining pillar. We have fenced off the entire area for security reasons," he added. 

Shahadat said action would be taken against the contractor after a proper investigation.