GEORGE TOWN – The collapse of a partially built building in Bayan Lepas, Penang, on Nov 28 killed three people, with others trapped by construction debris saved during hours-long search and rescue operations.

All the workers believed to have been trapped were confirmed rescued by Nov 29. They are Bangladeshi nationals, according to Penang police.

Four workers who were initially thought to be pinned under the rubble were arrested by police to assist with further investigations.

Investigations revealed that they were at the site but quickly fled the scene on Nov 28, before they were tracked down a day later.

A 33-tonne concrete beam among the debris at the construction site for a logistics complex had created difficulties for the rescue team.

“A beam measuring about 12m long and weighing about 14 tonnes had fallen and knocked down 14 other beams in the incident at the site,” said Penang Deputy Police Commissioner Mohamed Usuf.

“There were 18 workers assigned to the site. None of them had gone out for prayers at the time.

“So far, we have identified three deceased victims – two who died at the scene and another who died in hospital.

“Two other victims who suffered serious injuries have been sent to Penang Hospital for treatment.”

Workers at the site where the complex under construction collapsed recalled the horrifying sounds of the crash.

Bangladeshi national Mohamad Ikhthiar, 38, described the crash as “earth-shaking”.

“Structures like large concrete beams in the middle section came down and it was chaotic,” he said.

“Together with other workers, we went to check and were shocked to find that many of the beams had fallen in a stack.

“There were cries for help but the beams were just too heavy for us to lift without machinery.”

Mr Mohamad, who started working at the site about three months ago, said rescuers soon arrived and cordoned off the area.

Another worker, Mr Mohidul Islam, 43, said he was with four others doing carpentry work on the top floor of the complex when he decided to take a break and left his workstation.

“I am very grateful to have come down early, otherwise I could have been one of the victims,” he said.

“Suddenly, I heard a loud noise and the situation became chaotic after a realisation that the structure that was under construction had collapsed.

“I am very sad because I have friends who died in the incident,” he said at the scene on Nov 29.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Zulfahmi Sutaji said rescue efforts were difficult because of the weight of the structures involved.

“We need large machinery to remove heavy structures and access the victims,” he said.

K-9 units and drones were deployed to search for the victims, while rescuers also proceeded to dig at the scene, said Penang deputy police chief Usuf, adding that 188 rescue personnel were involved.

Initial reports by the Fire and Rescue Department said that at least nine workers were trapped under the rubble.

It was reported that in March 2022, Titijaya Land and DHL Supply Chain (Malaysia) signed a memorandum of agreement to develop the logistics complex in Bayan Lepas.

When completed, it will comprise offices, automatic rack systems, warehouse facilities and various utilities.

Construction of the complex was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.

About half of the project has been completed so far, after almost a year of work, said Penang Island City Council Mayor A. Rajendran.

When asked if work was being rushed to finish the project, he said: “At this present time, I do not wish to comment on that.”

Earlier, in a press conference, Datuk Rajendran said that with the incident and a stop-work order issued on the site, the project would definitely be delayed.

“With this incident, it is unlikely that they will complete it on time, as no work would be allowed pending investigations,” he said.
THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK