Chandigarh Building Collapse: Three Workers Rescued, Two Still Trapped as NDRF Continues Rescue Operation
Chandigarh Building Collapse has prompted an intensive rescue operation after a two-storey building undergoing renovation collapsed in Industrial Area Phase II on Saturday evening. At least five workers were trapped beneath the debris when the structure suddenly gave way. Rescue teams managed to pull three workers to safety, while two others remained trapped as personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Chandigarh Police, the Fire Department and local authorities continued round-the-clock rescue efforts.
The incident occurred at Plot No. 28/9, near Hotel The Fern, where renovation work was reportedly underway. Witnesses said the building collapsed without warning, sending dust and debris across the area and triggering panic among workers and nearby shopkeepers. Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes after receiving distress calls, while authorities cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue operations.
Rescue Operation Continues Through The Night
The Chandigarh Building Collapse led to a coordinated rescue mission involving the NDRF, Chandigarh Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and municipal authorities. Heavy earth-moving machinery, cranes and specialised rescue equipment were deployed to clear the debris carefully without endangering those trapped underneath.
Officials confirmed that three workers were rescued from the rubble with injuries and were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their condition was reported to be stable. Rescue teams continued working cautiously to reach the remaining two workers believed to be trapped beneath collapsed concrete slabs and twisted metal.
Mayor Provides Rescue Update
Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi said that around six to seven workers were present inside the building when it collapsed. According to him, three workers were rescued by emergency personnel while two others managed to come out on their own. The remaining two workers were believed to be trapped under the debris when rescue operations began.
The mayor also stated that rescue teams had established contact with the trapped workers during the operation, raising hopes of a successful rescue. NDRF officials used specialised equipment to determine their location before beginning the delicate process of removing debris.
Renovation Work Under Investigation
Initial reports suggest that renovation work was underway when the building suddenly collapsed. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether structural weaknesses, construction practices or recent rainfall contributed to the incident.
Officials are also examining whether proper safety guidelines were followed during the renovation work. Engineers from the municipal administration are expected to inspect the site once rescue operations are completed.
Massive Emergency Response
Following the Chandigarh Building Collapse, police sealed the surrounding area while ambulances remained stationed nearby to provide immediate medical assistance. Sniffer dogs and advanced rescue tools were also deployed to help locate anyone trapped beneath the rubble.
The NDRF emphasised that rescue efforts were being carried out carefully because unstable debris could pose additional risks to both rescuers and survivors. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area to allow emergency teams to work without obstruction.
Residents Recall Moments Of Panic
People living and working near the site described hearing a loud crashing sound before seeing the building collapse within seconds. Several eyewitnesses rushed towards the site to help before emergency services arrived.
Shopkeepers in the industrial area said the structure had been undergoing renovation for several days. Many expressed concern over the condition of older commercial buildings in the area and called for regular structural safety inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Structural Safety Concerns Raised
The Chandigarh Building Collapse has renewed concerns over ageing buildings and renovation safety standards in the city. Notably, the incident occurred less than 24 hours after the roof of an auditorium at Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology (CCET) collapsed, although no injuries were reported in that case. The back-to-back incidents have intensified calls for comprehensive structural audits of older buildings.
Experts say commercial buildings undergoing renovation should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain structurally stable throughout construction work, particularly during the monsoon season when weakened foundations and water seepage can increase risks.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have assured that a detailed investigation will be conducted once rescue operations conclude. Officials are expected to examine building permits, renovation approvals, construction methods and maintenance records to establish the exact cause of the collapse.
If negligence or violations of safety regulations are found, legal action may be initiated against those responsible. Officials have also stated that lessons from the investigation will be used to strengthen building safety measures across Chandigarh.
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