Four headload workers were killed on the spot when the sunshade of an old godown owned by the Kozhikode City Corporation collapsed on them at Valiyangadi on Monday. The victims were identified as Jabbar, Ashraf, Basheer, and Vinod.
They were taking rest under the 50-metre long sunshade after unloading goods at a nearby shop around 12 noon. Four other workers sustained grievous injuries in the incident.
Though a Fire and Rescue Services squad rushed the victims to a nearby hospital, they succumbed to injuries en route. The building had earlier been used as the passport office in Kozhikode city.
The incident triggered a protest by labourers and they resorted to a flash strike alleging negligence on the part of the Corporation authorities in ensuring the fitness of the building. Goods movement was completely stalled following the strike.
Headload workers and trade union leaders claimed that the authorities had been informed of the poor condition of the building several times, but to no avail. They also complained that the building had developed cracks without proper maintenance.
