A Tragic Accident in Meerut: House Collapse Claims Lives
A devastating incident occurred in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, when a three-storey house collapsed unexpectedly. This catastrophic event has resulted in the tragic loss of 10 lives, and concerns are growing as rescue teams continue to search for those potentially trapped under the rubble. Ongoing relief operations are being conducted by local authorities, while police have evacuated nearby homes as a safety precaution.
Details of the Incident
District Magistrate Deepak Meena reported that 15 individuals, including women and children, have been rescued from the debris, but unfortunately, 10 of them did not survive. Five individuals who suffered injuries have been transported to the hospital for treatment, with reports indicating that several animals also perished when the structure fell.
Challenges Faced in Rescue Operations
Rescue efforts are being hampered by light rainfall, making it challenging for teams to carry out their work efficiently. Additionally, the narrow streets in the area are preventing heavy machinery from accessing the site, further complicating the rescue operations. A crowd of local residents has gathered at the scene, anxious for updates on the situation.
How Did the Collapse Occur?
According to local media reports, the house was constructed on a 300 square yard plot of land, supported by a single pillar placed near the entrance. Alarmingly, the entire structure rested atop a wall that measured only four inches in thickness. Despite these evident structural weaknesses, plans were underway to add another floor to the building. Continuous rain in Meerut led to water accumulation at the foundation, which further weakened the already precarious walls, ultimately causing the collapse. This tragic event took place on the evening of September 14, 2024, prompting state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to urge officials to accelerate rescue efforts at the scene.
Background of the Building
According to police reports, the ground floor of the house was constructed approximately 50 years ago. Subsequently, the owner, Alauddin, converted this floor into a dairy farm and added upper levels for residential purposes. After Alauddinโs passing, his four sonsโSajid, Nadeem, Naeem, and Shakirโcontinued to operate the dairy. As additional floors were built, the walls and foundation became increasingly compromised. The situation was exacerbated by waste being piled near the walls, leading to damp conditions that weakened the structure.
Fortunate Timing Prevents Greater Tragedy
The collapse occurred at approximately 4:30 PM on Saturday. Had the accident transpired just an hour later, it is likely that around 40 people, who typically visit the dairy farm to purchase milk at that time, would have been caught in the disaster.
Conclusion
This tragic incident in Meerut serves as a grim reminder of the importance of building safety standards and vigilant construction practices. As rescue operations continue, the community mourns the loss of lives and hopes for the quick recovery of the injured. It is imperative that local authorities conduct thorough investigations to prevent such disasters in the future.
