Slab Collapse in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 3 Rescued, 1 Still Trapped
Three workers rescued after a commercial building slab collapses in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Search continues for one missing worker.
A terrifying accident occurred in the Chikalthana area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar when a slab of an under-construction commercial building collapsed, leaving workers trapped under heavy debris. While rescue teams have managed to pull three people to safety, a frantic search operation is still underway for one worker who remains missing beneath the rubble.
The Moment of Collapse
The incident took place on Jalna Road during the construction of the building's first-floor roof. According to preliminary reports, the disaster struck during the concrete-pouring process. It is believed that the iron pipes used to support the roof structure bent under the pressure, causing the massive concrete slab to give way suddenly.
At the time of the collapse, approximately 15 workers were present at the site. The sudden crash created a scene of chaos as those on the upper levels struggled to survive and those below were buried under the falling structure.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Initial reports indicated that several workers were trapped. Senior Police Inspector G S Raire of CIDCO MIDC clarified the numbers, stating that while eight to nine workers managed to escape the site safely, four others were caught in the lower level.
- Rescued: Three workers have been recovered from the debris.
- Injured: Two of the rescued workers sustained injuries and have been admitted to a hospital for treatment.
- Missing: One worker is still feared trapped and is the primary focus of the ongoing search.
Challenges in the Search Operation
The rescue mission has been an uphill battle for the authorities. Senior police officials, including the ACP, DCP, and the Commissioner of Police, have visited the site to oversee the operation. To increase the chances of finding the missing worker, a canine unit has been deployed to sniff out survivors beneath the rubble.
However, the operation is facing significant technical hurdles. The debris has become heavily compacted, and the concrete slab has hardened, making it extremely difficult for rescue teams to penetrate the rubble without risking further collapses.
Resources Deployed
To tackle the hardened concrete, the municipal corporation, medical personnel, and police teams have deployed heavy machinery, including:
- JCB machines
- Cranes
- Two Poclain excavators
"The rescue operation is challenging because the debris has become very compacted. Our teams are working continuously, and we are making every effort to complete the rescue as quickly as possible," said Senior Police Inspector G S Raire.
The fire department and police continue to work around the clock, hoping to extract the final trapped worker safely.