KUALA LUMPUR: A construction worker died while two others survived when a launching gantry at an MRT construction site in Jalan Jinjang, collapsed last last night.
The Fire and Rescue Department, upon being alerted to the incident at 11.49pm, deployed its personnel from the Jinjang, Sri Hartamas and Hang Tuah stations to the scene.
Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director, Khirudin Drahman, said initial inverstigations suggested that a launching gantry at the construction site slid and crashed.
“One of the victims reportedly fell while two others, aged 24 and 38, were trapped in the incident at a height of about 12-metres.
“Firemen used a turntable ladder (TTL) to bring down the trapped victims,” he said.
He said one of the victims died at the scene. The victim was identified as Firdaus Md Taib, 41.
“The two others survived. However, one of them sustained injuries on his foot and was rushed to the Selayang Hospital.
“The last victim was brought down using the TTL at 1.15am before the operation was ended fully at 2am,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a statement today, MMC Gamuda said the incident occurred at the MRT Sungai Buloh Serdang-Putrajaya Line construction site at Jinjang.
The company said a launching gantry which was being advanced from one span to the subsequent one, partially fell to ground level.
“Two workers who were working on the launching gantry were involved in the incident which occurred at 11.40pm.
“Both were immediately rushed to hospital and one was pronounced dead upon arrival. The condition of the other worker is stable.
The company said no member of the public was involved in the incident, which occurred completely within the confines of the work site and did not impact any public area.
It also said that emergency services, fire and rescue services and the police were immediately contacted when the incident occurred.
MMC Gamuda, which is the Project Delivery Partner of the construction of the MRT SSP Line, together with the project owner Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd, have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
“MMC Gamuda wishes to state that the use of launching gantries for constructing the MRT elevated guideway follows stringest safety procedures. Those which have been installed are safe. Nevertheless, as a precaution, safety checks and procedures have been stepped up at all existing launching gantries for the project.
“MMC Gamuda, MRT Corp and all involved in the project extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims. All support needed will be provided to the families during this difficult time.
“Further updates will be provided when they become available.”