Netrakona, Aug 14 (V7N) - Three construction workers were killed and two others injured when a dilapidated government building collapsed during demolition work in Netrakona town on Thursday (August 14) around 5:00 PM.
 
The tragic accident occurred inside the premises of the BADC (Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation) irrigation office in the Nagora area of Netrakona Sadar. Police, fire service, and local authorities responded swiftly to the scene and initiated rescue operations. The injured were taken to Netrakona Sadar Hospital for treatment.
 
The deceased were identified as Abdus Salam (40) of Matikata village in Atpara upazila, Abdul Hannan (42) of Hatkhola village, and Dipu Mia (40) of Palash Hati village in Sadar upazila. The injured workers, identified as Saiful and Hasan, were rescued and admitted to hospital with moderate injuries.
 
Eyewitness and fellow worker Nasu Sardar stated that six workers were engaged under a local contractor to dismantle an abandoned building belonging to the BADC. At around 4:45 PM, while demolishing part of the structure, the roof of the garage section suddenly collapsed, trapping five workers underneath. Firefighters and local residents joined forces in the rescue efforts.
 
Scrap dealer Manik Mia, who had taken the demolition contract, confirmed that they had secured a BADC contract worth BDT 2 million to demolish the building. He admitted that four partners were involved in the project. However, he was unable to provide a clear response when asked by journalists why the workers were not provided with proper safety gear.
 
Azizur Rahman, officer from the Netrakona Fire Service Station, confirmed that three bodies were recovered from the site, while two injured workers were sent to hospital for treatment. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Netrakona Model Police Station Kazi Shahnewaz stated that the bodies were sent to the morgue after preliminary investigation, and legal procedures would be carried out in consultation with the victims’ families.
 
Authorities are expected to launch a formal investigation into whether safety regulations were violated and if negligence contributed to the deadly collapse.
 
END/ATN/SMA/