Three Workers Killed, 11 Injured in Church Construction Collapse in Vellore

Vellore, September 11, 2026: Three workers were killed and 11 others injured when scaffolding supporting the roof of an under-construction Church of South India building collapsed near Katpadi in Vellore district on Thursday.

The accident occurred at Manji Krishnapuram while workers were pouring concrete for the roof of the church building. Around 20 workers were reportedly on the approximately 20-foot-high structure when the scaffolding and supporting framework suddenly gave way, sending concrete and debris crashing to the ground.

Among those killed were 67-year-old Samuel and his 32-year-old son, Immanuel, also known as Kutty. The death of the father and son has added to the grief of the local community. The identity of the third deceased worker has not been disclosed.

Rescue operation launched

Several workers were trapped beneath the collapsed structure following the accident. Police, fire and rescue personnel and district administration officials rushed to the site and began efforts to locate and rescue those buried under the debris.

Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Arakkonam, later joined the rescue operation. Rescue teams had to work cautiously amid the damaged scaffolding and concrete structure to reach the trapped workers.

The 11 injured workers were taken to Vellore Government Medical College Hospital, Christian Medical College Hospital and a hospital in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, for treatment.

Vellore District Collector P S Leela Alex, who coordinated the rescue operation, said at least eight of the injured workers were in stable condition.

Probe ordered into structural failure

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. A committee is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the structural failure, including whether the construction had the necessary approvals and permits and whether adequate safety measures were in place.

The incident has also raised concerns over construction-site safety, particularly the use of temporary scaffolding and support structures during work involving heavy concrete loads and workers operating at height.

For the local Christian community, the tragedy has brought a painful dimension to a project intended to provide a place of worship and community life. The deaths of the workers, including a father and son, have left their families and the wider community mourning as the investigation into the accident continues.

Courtesy : The Hindu

Photo Courtesy : Special Arrangement