Worli slab deaths: ‘Crane operator or contractor or building owner or officials? Who is responsible?'

Mohamed Ali and Nigar Fati, siblings of Sabir Ali who died in the slab collapse, at Worli police station on Wednesday. Pic/Ashish Raje

The deaths of two garment factory workers who lost their lives after cement slabs fell on them from the 42nd floor of the under-construction Four Seasons Residency in Worli on Tuesday has terrified those who frequent the spot. A social worker has also come forward, claiming he had raised red flags about the ongoing construction.

According to the Mumbai Police control room, the incident occurred around 8.30 pm when the workers, who were employed by Shevie Exports, were returning to work after a half-an-hour break for dinner. The slabs, which had been attached to a crane, also smashed cars near a tea stall on Dr E Moses Road.

Sabir Ali and Imran Ali Khan

The deceased have been identified as Sabir Ali, 36, and Imran Ali Khan, 30.

Also Read: Mumbai: Two pedestrians killed as cement block falls on them at construction site in Worli

Imran's cousin, Asadujjaman Khan, told mid-day, "We hail from Kolkata where his parents, wife and son live. He had taken up this job eight months ago as a production supervisor."

A vehicle that was damaged by the slabs at Four Seasons Residency in Worli. Pic/Ashish Raje

"When the incident occurred, he was talking to his wife over the phone and asking her about the family's well-being," he added.

Mohammed Ali, Sabir's younger brother, said, "I was at my office in Mumbai Central when around 9 I received a call from an unknown number. I was asked to come to Nair hospital telling me my brother had met with an accident. I was shocked to see him dead."

Imran's cousin, Asadujjaman Khan

"We live in Madanpura while his wife and two kids live in our home town, Jaunpur, in Uttar Pradesh," he added.

Mohsin Sheikh, who witnessed the tragic incident unfold, said, "I was with Sabir and Imran. The latter told me he needed to call his wife. So started walking towards the factory and crossed the road. Suddenly I heard a loud sound as if a blast had occurred. I ran back. There was a cloud of dust, and when it settled, I saw two persons bleeding. One person's brain had spilt out. I am still shivering." Mohammed Ijaz, who has been working in the factory for the past seven years, said, "The first shift starts at 7 am and ends at 4 pm while the second is from 2 pm to 11 pm. All workers go to the stall to have tea after dinner."

At the time of the incident, most had gone out. "Had the incident taken place 10 minutes earlier, the casualties would have been higher than 20 to 30," he said.

Joseph Xavier, a social activist, told mid-day, "I had made several calls and sent messages to BMC as well as the Mumbai Police control room regarding the absence of safety measures at the site. Had they taken enough measures, two persons wouldn't have lost their lives. Now the question remains: who is responsible? The contractor, crane operator, owner of the tower or officials who turned a blind eye?"

Zulfiquar Memon from MZM Legal LLP, which is representing Provenance Land, the developer of the building, said, "The matter is presently being investigated by the Worli police station and we are providing them with all the relevant information and assistance. We will communicate with you once we have any update."

Mistaken identity

After the names of the deceased went viral, 31-year-old Shabbir Ansari, another Shevie Exports employee, started receiving calls. "I had been on leave due to health reasons. Suddenly around 9 pm I received calls from anxious co-workers and relatives. I then came to know the fate of my colleague Sabir."