3-storey building collapses in Kharar, 1 dead

Tribune News Service

Mohali, February 8

A three-storey building collapsed at Sector 115 on the Kharar-Landran road here today, leaving one dead, two injured and another two feared still trapped under the debris. The rescue operation was under way at the time of the filing of this report.

According to information, the accident occurred around 12:15 pm when a JCB was digging earth to construct a basement adjoining a three-storey building of the Ambika Group.

Prem Bahadur, a resident of Khuni Majra village who was hired as a cook by the builder, was rescued by his brother Vishal, who, along with other persons, had rushed to the site. A native of Nepal, Prem was rushed to the Civil Hospital, Kharar. His right arm was fractured. There were injuries on his right leg too.

Harjeet Singh, an employee of the builder, was rescued at around 8:55 pm and taken to the Civil Hospital, where his condition was stated to be out of danger.

On getting information, Kharar SDM Hiramshu Jain and DSP Pal Singh, along with Kharar City SHO Bhagwant Singh, rushed to the spot. Jain called the fire brigade, ambulance and officials of the Municipal Council. Meanwhile, a team of the National Disaster Rescue Force was also asked to reach there.

A large number of people gathered at the spot as the news of the building collapse spread like wildfire. A large number of youths participated in the rescue operation, which began around 12.30 pm.

Members of various social organisations also helped in clearing the debris with the help of JCB machines. Mohan Lal Verma, in-charge, Kharar Fire Brigade, said personnel from Kharar and Mohali, along with a fire engine, were pressed into service. As many as seven JCB machines were engaged for the rescue operation.

Sangeet Ahluwalia, Executive Officer, Kharar Municipal Council, said a map of the under-construction showroom belonging to the builder, Parveen Kumar, had been approved by the council in December last year. Ahluwalia stated that as per the building plan, two basements with three storeys were to be constructed at the site. He said it would be investigated whether the excavation was being carried out as per the sanctioned plan.

Dr Surinder Singh, SMO, Civil Hospital, Kharar, said eight ambulances had been stationed at the mishap site to rush rescued persons to the hospital.

A portion of the welcome gate of the nearby JTPL Colony also collapsed. Two mobile towers installed on the rooftop of the building also fell and were damaged.

Mohali DC Girish Dayalan said the exact number of persons trapped in the collapsed building was not known. He said the rescue operation by a NDRF team was still on. Another team and its dog squad from Ladowal also arrived to help in the rescue operations, he said.

Dayalan added that they had also alerted the Army Western Command.

The DC said preliminary inquiry suggested that the building had collapsed as the JCB machine had dug the earth for the construction of basement at the adjoining plot.

He said they would hold an inquiry whether the builder had constructed the building illegally or had obtained necessary permissions. He said strict action would be taken against the builder if it was found that he had not got the required approvals from the MC.

How it happened

A JCB machine was excavating earth at a plot for construction of two-levels of basement when an adjoining three-storey building of Ambika Group collapsed. The JCB driver was among five persons got buried under the debris. The driver was later brought out dead. Two of the victims were rescued alive. They sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital, Kharar. An NDRF team and a large number of youths participated in the rescue operation.

Victim’s account

Prem Bahadur, one of the injured, said he, along with the gunman of the builder, was sitting on the ground floor of the building that collapsed later. The gunman rushed out telling him that the building was shaking a little. Sensing danger, he, too, tried to move out. By then, the building collapsed and he was trapped in the debris. His brother, along with people, rushed towards him and dragged him out of the rubble.

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