Tragedy Strikes: Young Himachal Woman Among Victims of Mohali Building Collapse, Rescue Efforts Underway for Those Trapped

Drishti Verma from Theog was pulled from debris in distressing condition. Despite immediate medical attention and efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after being taken to the hospital.

P24 News Media

December 22, 2024

1 minute

Tragedy Strikes: Young Himachal Woman Among Victims of Mohali Building Collapse, Rescue Efforts Underway for Those Trapped

India

In a tragic incident that unfolded in Punjab's Mohali district, a four-storey building collapsed, resulting in the death of a 20-year-old woman from Himachal Pradesh. The victim, Drishti Verma, hailing from Theog, was extracted from the debris in a critical state and rushed to Sohana Hospital. Unfortunately, despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries.

As rescue operations continue, at least five individuals are reportedly still trapped under the rubble. The Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to assist in these efforts, working tirelessly to locate and rescue those still in danger.

Initial investigations indicate that the structure, which housed a gym, may have collapsed due to excavation work on an adjacent property. This discovery has raised serious concerns about the safety practices and regulatory compliance of the construction in the area.

In response to this calamitous event, law enforcement has initiated legal proceedings against the building's owners, identified as Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh. They have been charged under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to culpable homicide that does not reach the threshold of murder. This law aims to hold accountable those whose negligence or actions lead to the loss of life.

Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, has been closely monitoring the situation, communicating with officials via phone. He expressed his condolences regarding the event through a post on social media platform X, highlighting the urgency of the response efforts.

In his message, Mr. Mann acknowledged the tragedy of the multistorey building collapse near Sohana, assuring the public that the entire administration and emergency services are on the ground working tirelessly. He emphasized the importance of cooperation from the community during this difficult time and assured that appropriate action would be taken against those responsible for this disaster.

The Chief Minister's call for collaboration between the public and the administration reflects a broader concern for community safety and accountability in construction practices. The government has also made available a helpline number, 0172-2219506, for those seeking assistance or wanting to contribute information regarding the incident.

Such incidents serve as stark reminders of the critical need for adherence to safety regulations and diligent oversight in construction activities. The loss of young lives such as Drishti Verma’s highlights the importance of immediate and effective response mechanisms, as well as the enforcement of stringent building codes to prevent future tragedies.

The current situation remains fluid as rescue teams continue their crucial work in hopes of finding any survivors and further assessing the building's condition. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely shift toward ensuring that similar occurrences are prevented in the future, fostering a safer environment for all residents.