Casualties and Rescue Efforts
A devastating building collapse in Sohana village, Mohali district, Punjab, has resulted in two confirmed fatalities and several injuries. The four-story building, which housed a gym in its basement, crumbled on Saturday evening. The victims include Drishti Verma, a 20-year-old from Himachal Pradesh, and Abhishek, a resident of Ambala, Haryana. Despite intensive rescue operations led by the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), both succumbed to their injuries. The rescue efforts, which lasted over 17 hours, have now concluded, with all individuals accounted for.
Causes of the Collapse
The tragedy appears to have been triggered by unauthorized excavation on an adjacent plot for basement construction. The destabilization of the soil is suspected to have led to the collapse. Municipal Commissioner T. Benith confirmed that no permissions were obtained for the excavation, underscoring negligence in following standard construction protocols.
Legal Actions Initiated
A case has been filed against the building owners, Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh, under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Authorities are also investigating the contractors involved in the adjacent excavation for potential negligence.
Government Response
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured strict action against those found guilty of flouting regulations. “Rescue teams and the administration acted promptly, and I am personally monitoring the situation to ensure justice for the victims,” the CM stated.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Oversight
This incident highlights the urgent need to review and enforce construction safety norms. Unauthorized activities and the lack of stringent oversight have raised questions about the efficiency of regulatory bodies. Experts have called for immediate audits of ongoing construction projects in Mohali to avoid similar incidents.
Impact on the Community
Residents in Sohana are shaken, fearing for the structural integrity of neighboring buildings. Local hospitals were on high alert, with medical teams working tirelessly to treat the injured. The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the community, with calls for better enforcement of safety standards growing louder.
Conclusion
The Sohana building collapse is a grim reminder of the dangers of neglecting construction safety and regulatory compliance. The focus now shifts to ensuring accountability and taking measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.