Rescue operation by the personnel of the Indian Army and NDRF continues after a multi-storey under-construction building collapsed in Punjab’s Mohali yesterday.
Chandigarh: At least 15 people are feared trapped at the site of the multistorey building collapse in Punjab’s Mohali on Saturday. A 20-year-old woman died after she was pulled out of the debris by the rescuers, officials said.
The victim, identifies as Drishti Verma from Himachal Pradesh, was rescued from the rubble in critical condition and was rushed to hospital, where she died while undergoing treatment.
Early morning visuals at the site showed personnel of the Indian Army and NDRF trying to rescue those under the debris.
Police have booked building owners — Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh, Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek said.
Several excavators were pressed into service as part of the rescue operation.
Medical teams, along with an ambulance, have also been deployed.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his sorrow at the incident.
“Sad news has been received that a multistorey building near Sohana in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) has collapsed. The entire administration and other rescue teams have been deployed at the spot. I am in constant touch with the administration,” he wrote on X.
“We pray that there is no loss of life, we will also take action against the culprits. Appeal to the people to cooperate with the administration,” he added.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, who was at the spot, said a multi-agency rescue effort was underway.
Mohali SSP Pareek said, “Our teams are working. Efforts are underway to clear the debris as soon as possible. Lighting arrangements have been made for the operation.”
Preliminary reports suggest that the building, which also had a gym, collapsed due to digging in an adjacent plot.
A gym member said she escaped the collapse as she skipped her session on Saturday. Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang and Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh reached the spot to oversee the rescue work.
Kulwant Singh said, “It is an unfortunate incident. Rescue operation is in full swing.”
With inputs from PTI
