Dhaka: Probe finds Chinese contractor is responsible for the tragic crane crash

By Sumi KhaDhaka 17 Aug : The initial investigation into the deaths of five people, including two children resulting from the collapse of the concrete girder of the moving vehicle on Monday in Dhaka has discovered evidence of negligence caused by China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC).A.

B.M.Amin Ullah Nuri, Bangladeshs Secretary of Road Transport and Highways Division He said that the Chinese company could "face penalties or cancellation of contract, as well as also be banned from being able to be employed in Bangladesh" when the final report has been received.The reports final version is expected to be released on Thursday.

According to the initial investigation The Chinese company didnt follow any safety regulations.The crane moved the girder without any sort of safety precautions "How many cranes will be utilized, what space should be cordoned off, how many workers are required and the number of people who are involved in this project - these are all issues that should be discussed by the contractor with the consultant.

But, CGGC did not discuss these aspects with the consultant." the investigation suggested.

Nuri who was speaking at an event for journalists, said that the concrete girder was weighing 70 tonnes, whereas the crane is able to hold 80 tonnes.The contractor was not allowed to be working during National Mourning Day, he said.

The team leader of the construction supervision consultant Tick has also acknowledged that the girder wasnt planned to move on Monday since it was National Mourning Day, a public holiday.According to the consultant the work was put on standby on the Monday.

The contractor was not even informing the traffic authorities about the work, the investigation has revealed.The inquiry panel of three members has listed at least four reasons as proof of inattention.sumi/sh.