At least nine labourers lost their lives and one person was injured after a wall collapsed at a construction site in Gujarat’s Mehsana district on Saturday, according to police reports.
Rescue operations have been ongoing, with emergency personnel working tirelessly to recover bodies and search for any remaining survivors.
The tragic incident occurred while the labourers were digging a pit for an underground tank at a factory construction site in Jasalpur village, near Kadi town, approximately 37 kilometres from the district headquarters. The under-construction wall collapsed, burying the workers under loose soil.
The collapse took place around 1:45 PM at the site of a private company’s building, according to Mehsana District Development Officer, Dr. Hasrat Jasmine. Speaking to the media, Dr. Jasmine confirmed that six bodies had been recovered and that a 19-year-old boy was pulled out alive, giving hope to rescuers. “Based on his account, there were 8-9 workers on site. Efforts are ongoing to free the remaining 2-3 people. We pray to God that we rescue them alive,” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the tragedy, describing the incident as “extremely sad.” He also extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and assured that the local administration, under the supervision of the state government, is providing all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured, from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Meanwhile, Gujarat’s CM Bhupendra Patel announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh to the deceased family and Rs 50,000 to those injured from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. (CMRF)
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