While two persons died on the spot,another succumbed to injuries at the government general hospital.
The mishap occurred near the Ambica Empire hotel junction at Vadapalani when the driver of the fuel tanker-lorry lost control of the vehicle and hit the workers, police said.
Another worker suffered minor injuries, police said, adding, the driver was 'half-asleep'.
The driver has been arrested.
The workers were hired by a sub-contractor for the State Highways Department.
