Rescue Operation Intensifies After Building Collapse In Mohali, Punjab

On Sunday, rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army continued their efforts on the second day of the operation following the collapse of a four-storey building in Mohali’s Sector 77. Three people are believed to be trapped in the debris, and a 20-year-old woman from Himachal Pradesh tragically lost her life in the incident.

According to NDRF officials, five people initially bury under the rubble when the building, housing a gym, collapse after digging work in an adjacent building’s basement. The structure’s collapse occurred on Saturday evening, and emergency teams swiftly mobilized to the site.

Drishti Verma, a 20-year-old woman from Theog in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla district, was among the victims. Rescuers pulled her from the debris, but she later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, confirmed Viraj S. Tidke, the officiating Deputy Commissioner.

Rescue Teams Work Relentlessly In Mohali

In response to the collapse, the Indian Army deployed a team of specialists at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, equipped with engineering tools to assist in the rescue operation. The Army, working alongside the NDRF and state rescue teams, coordinated efforts to clear the debris and rescue the trapped victims.

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They used debris clearance machinery, including JCBs, to focus on removing the top layers of rubble and reach the basement, where survivors might still be trapped.

Efforts To Rescue All Trapped Victims

The district administration acted swiftly after receiving reports of the disaster. Senior officers, including Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek, were among the first to arrive on-site and ensure the immediate initiation of rescue efforts. District officials, along with locals and other departments, quickly began the operation, and they alerted the NDRF’s Pinjore unit and the Indian Army to assist.

Tidke emphasize that the rescue mission would continue until every individual trap in the debris safely recover. The district administration has ensured the provision of all necessary equipment and machinery to support the ongoing efforts.

Government Officials Oversee Operations

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been in regular contact with the district administration, urging them to spare no effort in rescuing the victims. On Saturday, Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang and local MLA Kulwant Singh visited the site to oversee the progress of the rescue work.

Additionally, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav monitored the operation and instructed the local police to prioritize the safety of the victims. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain confirm that the rescue mission would persist until all victims safely recover. Tehsildars Arjun Singh Grewal and Navpreet Singh Shergill also assign to assist rescue teams and the police.

Investigation Launched Into Cause Of Collapse

In the aftermath of the incident, police have booked the building owners, Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh, under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway.

The combined efforts of local authorities, the Indian Army, NDRF, and other rescue teams continue as they work to ensure the safe recovery of those trapped.