Foreman and Building Owner to Be Questioned After 4 Workers Die in Water Tank
Police have scheduled examinations of the project foreman and building owner regarding the incident that resulted in the deaths of four workers and three others suffering from shortness of breath at a construction site on Jalan TB Simatupang RT 02/RW 02, Tanjung Barat, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.
“The examination is scheduled soon,” said Jagakarsa Police Chief Kompol Nurma Dewi when confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday (7/4).
According to Nurma, the questioning of both individuals will take place shortly with witness status. This step is intended to investigate allegations of negligence in implementing workplace safety standards at the project.
“Yes, they are being examined regarding negligence,” she stated.
Previously, the fatal incident occurred at the multi-storey building project, where four workers died and three others experienced respiratory issues after being exposed to gas inside a water tank.
The four deceased victims were identified as YN (32) from Subang, MW (62) from Cianjur, TS (63) from West Bandung, and MF (19) from West Bandung. Meanwhile, the three surviving victims who suffered shortness of breath were UJ (41), SN (63), and AJ (47), all from Purwakarta.
The incident began on Friday (3/4) around 10:00 WIB, when two workers were at the project site. They were instructed by the foreman to drain the clean water reservoir located in the basement.
During the process of removing the tank cover, one worker fell into the hole, which was approximately three metres deep. His colleague attempted to provide assistance but without safety equipment.
This rescue effort turned into a disaster, as other workers also fell into the reservoir. In total, four people fell into the tank, while three others experienced shortness of breath due to exposure to hot air and odours from inside the reservoir.
The victims were then evacuated by witnesses and rushed to Pasar Rebo Hospital for medical treatment. However, upon arrival at the emergency department, four victims were declared dead by doctors.