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Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji
With the recovery of the bodies of two workers from the debris of a building destroyed in Tuesday's horrifying crash in Goa, the death toll has risen to 17.
Four victims are struggling for life at the Goa Medical College hospital, with severe burn injuries.
The mid-air collision of two IL-38 naval aircraft during a fly past on Tuesday morning killed all 12 naval personnel aboard both planes, while injuring around 15 workers and killing five as one plane crashed into a building under construction at Zuarinagar.
A more serious tragedy was averted as the plane crashed 100 metres away from the MES College, where over 1,000 students were sitting in the classrooms. The second plane crashed into an open field at Zuari Industries, close to the naval museum.
According to Vasco Deputy Superintendent of Police Vishram Borkar, the police have recovered most of the bodies, besides rescuing all the injured workers from the building. But he does not rule out the possibility of finding more bodies, as even the contractor did not know the number of workers who reported to work.
The work of clearing the debris went on through the night. One body was located at 1.30 am while another one was found this morning.
According to hospital superintendent Dr Rajendra Kunkolienkar, four workers -- Nagraj, Mahesh, Mukesh and Chandrashekhar -- have burn injuries up to 99 per cent, 95 per cent, 92 per cent and 80 per cent respectively. "Their condition is critical," he said.
Two more workers -- Sahid and Nagappa -- are recovering; they suffered around 32 and 18 per cent injuries respectively. Eight workers have been admitted to Vasco hospital with minor injuries.
Indian Navy chief Admiral Madhavendra Singh has arrived in Goa to monitor the situation.
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