KUCHING: A girder beam collapsed at Package 11 (WPC-11) of the Pan Borneo Highway construction site in Miri on Friday, injuring two workers.
Both men are in stable condition after receiving treatment in hospital.
The accident occurred at 2.40pm at the Pujut Section of the highway, and led to the Works Ministry issuing an immediate stop-work order on the project.
Its minister, Baru Bian, said that the suspension of construction was called to ensure the safety of workers and the public; and to facilitate an investigation into the accident.
“I have ordered a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the incident.
“I would like to urge the public and the media not to speculate (on what happened) and to let the authorities do their job.
“I assure (you) that necessary action will be taken,” he told the reporters after attending a Christmas celebration at the Kuching Blind Centre here, today.
The accident is expected to cause delays to the massive project, as well as lead to extra costs – however studies are required to determine the precise impact of the mishap, Baru Bian added.
The Pan Borneo Highway project spans 786km of Sarawak and is being built in 11 packages which involve the construction of more than 100 bridges.
Sumber: New Straits Times