Workers on the construction site of a three-story logistics complex in Batu Maung, Penang, described the horrifying sounds of the collapse which occurred on Tuesday night. They were saddened to learn that their colleagues were trapped in the rubble, as they told the media on Wednesday.
One worker, a 38-year-old man from Bangladesh named Mohamad Ikhthiar, described the crash as “earth-shaking.” He was working at an adjacent site when the collapse occurred, and he mentioned that structures like large concrete beams came down in a chaotic manner.
Mohamad also mentioned that there were cries for help, but the beams were too heavy for them to lift without machinery. Because of this, other workers were trapped beneath the rubble.
Another worker, who only went by Mohsir, 50, was seen waiting anxiously at the gate to the site. He was lucky to have escaped the mishap, as he left the site to perform prayers just before the incident occurred.
A total of nine victims were reported to have been on-site during the incident. As of noon, rescuers have found five and are still searching for the remaining four, with three being pronounced dead and two seriously injured.
In March last year, Titijaya Land Berhad and DHL Supply Chain (M) Sdn signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to develop the logistics complex in Bayan Lepas, Penang. It will comprise offices, automatic rack systems, a warehouse, and various utilities.
