6 feared trapped after multi-storey building collapses in Punjab's Ludhiana

At least six people were feared trapped after a multi-storey building collapsed at Focal Point Phase-8 in Ludhiana on Saturday. The building collapsed around 5:30 pm, officials said.

The incident took place after a pillar got dislocated when a crane was putting the material on the first floor. Although most of the workers were able to escape, at least six are still feared trapped under the debris, the officials said. Six persons were taken to Fortis Hospital for treatment.

A visit at the site revealed that construction was going on the first floor of the building. The eyewitnesses maintained that there were about 30 persons when the incident took place around 5:30 pm. Five persons were rushed to Fortis Hospital while six are reportedly trapped under debris.

Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal said the exact number was still unknown as rescue operation was still underway. The operation involves multiple agencies, including two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, health officials, fire and factories departments, and the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation. All these teams are working together to rescue the trapped workers.

Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and DC Jorwal are overseeing the rescue efforts at the site of the collapse. They urged the public to allow the rescue teams to operate without interference.

The DC said the Health Department has been instructed to deploy medical teams and ambulances on a 24-hour basis at the site until the rescue operation is complete.