Lucknow Tragedy: Building Collapse Results in Five Deaths, 28 Injuries

Five individuals lost their lives, and 28 others sustained injuries when a three-storey building collapsed in Transport Nagar on Saturday evening, officials reported. The building, which housed godowns and a motor workshop, was constructed around four years ago. At the time of the incident, some construction work was ongoing.

Rescue Operations and Immediate Response

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force were promptly deployed to the scene. They are working to ensure no one remains trapped under the debris, according to Relief Commissioner G S Naveen Kumar. Senior police and administrative officials are overseeing the rescue operations.

Most victims were on the ground floor when the collapse occurred at 4:45 pm. The injured were taken to various hospitals in the district, including Lok Bandhu Hospital. Officials confirmed that five women were among the injured. Almost everyone in the building has been accounted for, but rescue efforts continue to ensure no one is left behind.

Eyewitness Accounts and Victims

Akash Singh, who works in a medical godown in the building and was injured, recounted that they noticed a pillar had developed cracks. "We had come down to the ground floor because it was raining. We noticed that a pillar of the building had developed a crack. Suddenly the entire building collapsed over us," he said.

The deceased have been identified as Pankaj Tiwari (40), Dheeraj Gupta (48), Arun Sonkar (28), Raj Kishore (27), and Jasmit Singh (41). The building's ground floor housed a motor workshop and warehouse, while a medical godown occupied the first floor and a cutlery warehouse was on the second floor.

Government Response and Condolences

Defence Minister and MP from Lucknow Rajnath Singh spoke with the district magistrate about the incident. He assessed the relief work and treatment of the injured. "My deepest condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their loved ones in this accident. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured," he posted on X.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is closely monitoring rescue efforts. He has directed that free treatment be provided to all injured individuals. BJP metropolitan president Anand Dwivedi visited the site upon receiving news of the incident. He assured support to the injured and their families.

A senior district administration official stated that rescue efforts are now focused on ensuring no one is left buried in the rubble. The prompt response from various agencies highlights their commitment to managing such emergencies effectively.

The tragic incident underscores the importance of stringent construction standards and regular inspections to prevent such disasters in future.