A building collapsed in Chandigarh’s Industrial Area Phase II, with fears that individuals are trapped under the debris. This incident marks the city’s second building collapse within a day. Rescue efforts are ongoing, utilizing heavy machinery to clear the rubble and locate any potential survivors.
Officials mentioned that the collapsed building was utilized by a scrap dealer and speculated that its age might have contributed to the collapse. Despite no heavy rainfall in the area, the structure gave way. In a separate incident, the roof of the auditorium at Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology collapsed, fortunately without anyone inside.
The auditorium, crucial for election vote counts, had been deemed unsafe by the Engineering Department, leading to its evacuation. Following a safety audit, Punjab Engineering College was consulted for further structural assessment. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of aging structures in Chandigarh, especially in commercial and industrial zones, prompting calls for improved maintenance and inspections.
