A 29-year-old Nepalese labourer who died while working at a Qatar World Cup stadium site died after being hit by a water lorry, an investigation has concluded, according to a statement released Wednesday.
Anil Kumar Pasman suffered “fatal injuries… in a tragic accident” at Al-Wakrah stadium, according to the statement from the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the body overseeeing organisation of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“The SC has worked hand-in-hand with the contractors on site and can confirm all appropriate actions were taken following the incident, including notifying the next of kin, the Ministry of Administrative Development and Social Affairs and the Nepali Embassy,” read the statement.
“The SC has also taken an active role in the repatriation of Mr Pasman’s body, along with ensuring all obligations towards the family are met.”
The head of the Supreme Committee, Hassan Al-Thawadi, added that Pasman’s death was “truly heartbreaking” and said tournament organisers in the Gulf would not allow a “slip” in safety standards.
The incident happened on October 22.
Pasman’s death is the first “work-related” fatality announced by World Cup organisers in Qatar.
Al-Wakrah stadium is situated some 15 kilometres south of the capital Doha and was designed by world-renowned Iraqi-born British architect Zaha Hadid, who died in March.
The 40,000 seater-stadium will be used up until the quarter-final stage in 2022.
A separate statement released at the same time by the joint venture group operating at the stadium — comprised of Qatari, Austrian and Belgian companies — said Pasman was “out of sight of the driver” when he was struck.
More than 5,000 construction workers are helping build stadiums for the tournament in the energy-rich emirate. That number is set to increase to 36,000 within the next two years.
Qatar has come under sustained criticism for labour conditions in the country but vehemently denies reports that many workers have died helping prepare the country for football’s biggest tournament.
Wednesday’s statement was announced while new FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura was in Qatar meeting local World Cup officials. – Agence France-Presse
