Chennai Ennore Power Plant Accident: Tamil Nadu continues to face a series of accidents. The wounds from the Karur stampede that claimed 40 lives had not yet healed when exactly three days later, a major accident occurred in Ennore. On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the construction site of the North Chennai Thermal Power Station in Ennore, a concrete slab under construction collapsed, killing 9 construction workers on the spot and seriously injuring 5 others.
Rescue operations are still ongoing, and authorities have launched an investigation into safety violations. This incident has raised questions about the state government’s industrial safety mechanisms. Let’s understand the complete details of this tragedy and the recent series of accidents in Tamil Nadu…
How Did the Ennore Power Plant Tragedy Happen? The Sequence of Deaths
Work was underway on an expansion project at the North Chennai Thermal Power Station located in Ennore, North Chennai. On Tuesday, a concrete slab under construction at a height of approximately 30 feet suddenly collapsed. This trapped more than 20 workers laboring below under the debris. Initial reports estimated 5 deaths, but the death toll has risen to 9. The number of injured is reported to be 5, with several in critical condition.
Most of the workers were migrants from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, working as daily wage laborers at the construction site. Eyewitnesses reported that the slab collapsed with a sound like an explosion, and flying debris injured workers in the vicinity. Rescue teams – NDRF, Fire Service, and local police – immediately began rescue efforts. Heavy machinery is being used to remove the debris, but the work is difficult due to the confined space.
5 Lakh Rupees Compensation for Families of the Deceased
The Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and TANGEDCO visited Stanley Government Hospital to meet the injured. He stated, ‘The injured are receiving better treatment. The families of the deceased will receive 5 lakh rupees in compensation, and the injured will receive 50,000 rupees in assistance. Strict action will be taken against the culprits once the investigation is complete.’
Ennore Power Plant Tragedy Reason: Negligence or Technical Flaw?
The Avadi Police Commissionerate reported that the exact cause of the slab collapse is not yet clear. Potential reasons could include poor construction materials, overlooking safety standards, or an error in the engineering design. TANGEDCO has sought an explanation from the contracting company BHEL. Police have registered an FIR under IPC Section 304A (death by negligence), and orders for a magisterial inquiry have been issued. The Chief Minister has demanded a preliminary report within 48 hours.
Tamil Nadu’s Black Series of Accidents: From Karur Stampede to Ennore
The last three days of September have seen a flood of accidents in Tamil Nadu. The wound from the Karur stampede had not even dried when Ennore delivered a new shock. Let’s look at the key events:-
September 27, 2025: The Dark Chapter of the Karur Stampede
The crowd at an election rally for TVK chief and actor Vijay became uncontrollable. In a wave of excitement, likened to celebrations for a Royal Challengers Bangalore victory, 40 people (13 men, 17 women, 4 boys, 5 girls) were killed, while 51 were injured. Permission was for 10,000 people, but 50,000 gathered. Vijay had to stop his speech midway. The Chief Minister announced 10 lakh rupees compensation and formed an inquiry commission headed by retired judge Aruna Jagadeesan. The Prime Minister expressed condolences. This was part of Vijay’s campaign ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
