A six-storey building in Surat’s Sachin area collapsed on July 6, 2024, triggering a massive rescue operation by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). As of now, three bodies have been recovered, but concerns remain for at least six to seven individuals who are still feared trapped under the debris.
The collapse resulted in injuries to several people. While 2 people have been successfully rescued, the exact number of those still trapped remains uncertain.
The collapse occurred around 3 p.m. at DN Nagar Society in Pali village, where the building was already in a deteriorated state. Swift action was taken by fire officials who arrived promptly at the scene, working tirelessly to clear the debris and extricate those trapped. Floodlights have been set up due to poor visibility during the evening hours.
Key personnel, including Choryasi MLA Sandeep Desai, Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, District Collector Dr. Sourabh Pardhi and municipal corporation staff, converged at the location. Chief Fire Officer Basant Pareek is leading the rescue operation, utilising JCB machines and drilling equipment to remove rubble.
Surat Collector Sourabh Pardhi stated, “We received information about a six-story building collapse. Initially, we know that 4–5 flats were occupied. One woman has been rescued, but 3–4 people are still trapped under the rubble. Both the NDRF and SDRF teams are working tirelessly to rescue them.”
The ill-fated building housed 30 flats, although only 4-5 flats were occupied at the time of the collapse. Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot added, “The collapsed building in Pali village, constructed in 2016–17, has left one woman rescued and sent to the hospital. According to her account, 2–3 people remain trapped inside. The watchman reported that out of the 30 flats, only one family was present, as others had gone out for work. Our experts are on-site and we remain hopeful of rescuing the remaining individuals within the next one or two hours.”
Local authorities are tirelessly working to free those still trapped, with both NDRF and SDRF teams involved in the ongoing efforts.
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