Building in Valiyangadi was set to be demolished; death toll rises to four

KOZHIKODE: One more person has died in the accident in which a portion of a building collapsed in Valiyangadi. With this, the death toll has risen to four. Vinod (55), a native of Thiruvangoor, who was undergoing treatment at Government Medical College Kozhikode with serious injuries, passed away. The three others who died earlier were Ashraf from Kinassery and Jabbar and Basheer from Atholi.

The accident happened when a sunshade of the building collapsed onto workers who were resting outside. Those trapped between the concrete slabs were rescued by other workers and the fire force and shifted to the hospital. The old building was reportedly set to be demolished soon. Several shops are functioning inside the building. Workers in Valiyangadi usually rest outside this structure. Many two-wheelers were also trapped under the fallen slabs.

Locals alleged that although the Corporation had issued a notice asking the building to be vacated, some traders ignored it. There are also allegations that the Corporation did not take further action to evacuate the building. Locals pointed out that even a warning board had not been placed. The Mayor said that no one will be allowed to enter the building anymore and that lapses will be examined.

Meanwhile, workers have launched a protest over the incident. Labourers in Valiyangadi have declared a strike. A march led by the BJP to the Kozhikode Corporation turned tense. BJP workers attempted to enter the Mayor’s chamber, but the police stopped them. This led to pushing and scuffling between the police and the protesters. BJP workers are continuing their protest by staging a sit-in at the spot.