Gujarat : 15 Rescued After Construction Slab Collapses in Gandhinagar

GANDHINAGAR :  A construction site turned into a rescue zone on Wednesday night after a massive slab between two under-construction buildings at Boskey The Empire in Kudasan suddenly collapsed, trapping 15 people under tonnes of debris. All 15 were pulled out alive, with 12 shifted to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital for treatment and three discharged.

No casualties were reported in the incident, which occurred around 9 pm.

The sudden collapse triggered a large-scale emergency response, with local police, more than four fire brigade vehicles, SDRF and NDRF teams rushing to the site. Rescuers had to negotiate heavy debris comprising iron rods, centering plates and cement-concrete.

Deputy SP Sheetalkumar Gurjar said the collapse occurred while slab-filling work was underway.

“The slab suddenly collapsed, possibly due to the increased weight or a technical fault,” Gurjar said, adding that the exact cause would be established through investigation.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi reached the site and personally reviewed the rescue operation. He said the rescued workers were immediately transported to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, where medical teams were kept ready for emergency treatment, surgery and first aid.

The government has ordered a technical investigation involving the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and structural engineers to determine whether construction and worker-safety norms were violated.

Sanghvi warned that strict legal action would follow if negligence is established.

“Strictest punitive action will be taken against the responsible builder, contractor or supervisor if worker safety has been compromised,” he said.

Around 100 tonnes of debris is reportedly being removed from the site using hydraulic cranes, JCB machines and gas cutters.

The project is associated with builder Nilesh Modi, former president of Pethapur Municipality.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Praful Pansheriya visited the injured at Gandhinagar Civil Hospital and directed doctors to ensure adequate medicines, facilities and emergency medical support.

The investigation will now determine whether a structural failure, excessive loading or violation of safety norms triggered the collapse.