Lucknow building collapse: death toll climbs to eight as rescue efforts persist

Lucknow, September 8, 2024: The death toll in the Transport Nagar building collapse has risen to eight as rescuers from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) recovered three more bodies from the debris on Sunday. The three-storey building, which contained warehouses and a motor workshop, collapsed on Saturday evening, leaving 28 people injured. Officials identified the victims as Raj Kishore, 27, Rudra Yadav, 24, and Jagrup Singh, 35. The ongoing rescue operation is focusing on ensuring no individuals remain trapped under the rubble. Relief Commissioner G.S. Naveen confirmed that the rescue efforts will continue until the entire site is thoroughly cleared.

The building, constructed four years ago, was reportedly undergoing additional construction work at the time of its collapse, which occurred around 4:45 PM on Saturday. Most victims were on the ground floor when the building caved in. Police and district administration officials are investigating the cause of the collapse, with preliminary reports indicating a structural failure. According to authorities, the ground floor of the building served as a motor workshop and warehouse, while the first floor housed a medical godown and the second floor was used for storing cutlery. Akash Singh, a survivor who worked in the medical godown, recalled that a crack had developed in one of the building’s pillars. “We had come down to the ground floor because it was raining. We noticed a pillar had developed a crack, and before we could react, the entire building collapsed on us,” he said.

The injured have been taken to various hospitals across Lucknow, including Lok Bandhu Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

District officials emphasized that the primary goal remains to rescue any potential survivors trapped beneath the debris. Authorities are also examining the building’s construction history and structural integrity, with further action likely to follow once the cause of the collapse is established. The collapse has raised concerns about building safety and ongoing construction practices in the area. The administration has urged contractors and builders to ensure strict adherence to safety standards and building codes to prevent similar incidents in the future.