Labourers hurt as tent collapses in Mandi

Tribune News Service

Mandi, February 18

A major tragedy was averted this morning when a waterproof tent, set up for the week-long Shivratri fair, collapsed at Paddal Ground here, leaving a man critically injured.

The injured is a migrant labourer Ahmjad Khan of Madhya Pradesh, who was on the spot at that time. He has been admitted to the Regional Hospital, Mandi. Two labourers received minor injuries.

The district administration had given a contract to set up the waterproof tent for the purpose of trade during the fair starting February 24 to one person.

Locals alleged that it was a big security lapse on the part of the district administration that failed to check the quality of structure. During the week-long fair, there remains a huge rush and such incident might cause a huge loss to public.

Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Sandeep Kadam said an inquiry had been initiated to find out the lapse and asked the contractor to set up another one. “I have directed the company contractor to follow security guidelines for safe structure and also asked to constitute a security committee of the district administration for a close vigil to ensure safety of people,” he said.

A police case had been registered under Section of IPC 336 and 337 and investigation was going on.