Close shave for 2 as balcony collapses in Chennai

In a similar accident in Teynampet two months ago, a 25-year-old woman died, 2 kids were hurt

The two men were sitting on the parapet of the balcony when it came crashing down. The structure was repaired less than a year ago after it developed cracks — Photo: K.V. Srinivasan

Two men were injured after a balcony on the first floor of a slum clearance board tenement on Thomas Road, Teynampet, came crashing down on Tuesday evening.

The incident took place around 7.30 p.m. when Senthil (28) and his neighbour, also Senthil (32), were sitting on the parapet of the balcony in block 11 of the TNSCB tenement in Teynampet. Without warning, the balcony gave way and bringing down the two men with it.

“The balcony was repaired less than a year ago after pieces of the cement covering began crumbling. Usually, kids play on the ground under the balcony. Luckily, there was nobody on the spot when the accident happened,” said P. Arumugam, Corporation councillor of ward 117.

The Councillor said he, along with other residents, rushed the injured youth to a private hospital nearby and both were stable. “We have erected a temporary staircase and balcony using planks of wood. The repair work will begin tomorrow,” Mr. Arumugam said.

On June 30, two balconies in another building in Teynampet collapsed killing a 25-year-old woman and injuring two eight-year-olds. The accident took place on Nallan Street, a narrow stretch in Teynampet, cramped with buildings.

Two months later, the TNSCB is yet to begin screening of its dilapidated buildings in the city. The Chennai Corporation is responsible for monitoring dilapidated buildings as part of disaster preparedness in the city.

According to an official, after allotments were made in the TNSCB tenements, many residents allegedly constructed additional structures in violation of norms. Many of such structures collapse later.