A three-storey building collapsed in Meerut’s Zakir Colony, trapping 10 members of a single family under the debris. Amid heavy rainfall, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and fire brigade teams rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations. Six people have been safely rescued so far, while efforts are ongoing to save the remaining four trapped under the rubble.
The Incident
The accident occurred around 5:15 PM on Saturday in the Lohiya Nagar police station area. The building was approximately 35 years old and had become dilapidated due to a lack of maintenance. Senior officials, including ADG D.K. Thakur, Commissioner Selva Kumari J., IG Nachiketa Jha, and SSP Vipin Tada, are present at the scene to oversee the rescue efforts.
SSP Vipin Tada reported, “The three-story building collapsed suddenly, with an estimated 8 to 10 people trapped inside. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities so far. Rescue teams are actively working, but the full extent of the situation will be clear only after the debris is completely cleared.”
Immediate Response and Rescue Operations
- Initial Rescue Efforts
As soon as the building collapsed, neighbors and local residents rushed to the scene to help with rescue efforts. The fire brigade team used electric cutters to cut through the building’s pillars to remove the debris. - SDRF and NDRF Involvement
ADG D.K. Thakur stated that both SDRF and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been called to the scene. He added that the accident occurred around 5:15 PM, and rescue operations have been ongoing since. So far, five people have been rescued safely. According to family members, 5 to 6 more people are still trapped under the debris. The building belonged to a widowed woman who lived there with her sons and their families. Additionally, the ground floor of the building housed a dairy, and several buffaloes are also reported to be trapped. - Commissioner’s Statement
Commissioner Selva Kumari J. stated, “The building collapse in Zakir Colony has left 8-10 people trapped. Rescue operations are underway, with police and fire brigade teams fully engaged in the efforts. The Army, NDRF, and SDRF have also been informed.”
Challenges in the Rescue Efforts
Due to the narrow lanes in the area, bringing in heavy machinery was challenging. Initially, the fire brigade team had to start the rescue operation manually. After two hours, additional equipment was brought in to expedite the rescue efforts.
The Affected Family
The building belonged to a 90-year-old woman named Nafo, who lived there with her two sons, Sajid and Govinda, along with their wives and children. When the building collapsed, the entire family was trapped under the debris. Neighbors quickly reached the scene and managed to rescue three individuals—Naeem, Nadeem, and Shakir—who were immediately sent to the hospital for treatment. Others, including Farzana, Alisha, Riza, Saniya, Nafisa, Shakib, and a 3-month-old baby, remain trapped.
Rescue operations continue despite the heavy rainfall, with hopes of saving all the remaining victims. Further updates will follow as the situation develops.
Leave a Reply