What Caused a Part of a Crumbling Building to Collapse in Ahmedabad, 16 Rescued?
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Synopsis
A portion of a crumbling residential building in Ahmedabad collapsed on June 17, prompting a swift rescue operation that saved 16 residents. With structural issues long known, this incident highlights the urgent need for building assessments, especially ahead of the monsoon season. Discover the details of this alarming event and what it means for the future safety of residents.
Key Takeaways
- 16 residents rescued from a collapsing building in Ahmedabad.
- Building had long-term structural issues.
- Authorities are taking action to inspect dilapidated structures.
- Residents are urged to report unsafe buildings.
- Monsoon season poses additional risks for aging buildings.
Ahmedabad, June 17 (NationPress) A section of a dilapidated three-storey residential building in the Dharmi Society of Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, collapsed on Tuesday, triggering a swift rescue operation by the Fire and Emergency Services.
Authorities confirmed that there were no casualties, as all residents were evacuated promptly. The building, a G+3 structure featuring a makeshift shed on the top floor, had been exhibiting signs of structural decline for an extended period. Fire officials stated that cracks had formed in the upper levels, especially in the third-floor shed, which eventually failed, leading to the collapse of the roof and part of the staircase.
The incident also caused a section of the second floor to cave in. Upon receiving the alert, a team from the Shahpur fire station acted quickly to evacuate 16 residents, including infants, elderly individuals, and families, to a nearby safe location. “The building has been in a precarious state for a long time. We had also notified local authorities about its dangers,” remarked a senior fire brigade officer.
City officials have since requested the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to assess the remaining structure and initiate demolition to avert further risks, particularly with the monsoon season approaching. Residents in other aging buildings throughout the city have been encouraged to report any structural concerns to their respective ward offices without delay.
The 16 individuals rescued included Kajalben Suthar (23), Memon Shabnam Banu (36), Zaitun Bibi Memon (70), Ashokbhai Verma (45), Hardikbhai Verma (23), Khushi Verma (20), Rinki Verma (41), Rehan Akbar Mower (22), Farhan Akbar Mower (7), Sakina Akbar Mower (30), Memon Mohammad Zaid (16), Muskan Banu Sheikh (25), Sana Sheikh (17), Sama Banu Mustaqeem Sheikh (22), Mustaqeem Sheikh (25), and nine-month-old Mohammad Ayan.
As of early 2025, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had flagged 292 buildings as unsafe, marking a significant rise from 109 in 2021-22 and 151 in 2022-23. Of these, 237 properties were officially classified as dilapidated, with a concerning 136 having either collapsed or been demolished. The preservation of historic sites has also been impacted: out of 25 heritage-listed buildings deemed 'dangerously dilapidated', 10 have collapsed in the past two years, while another five have been partially demolished.
In anticipation of the monsoon, the AMC identified an additional 261 hazardous buildings, particularly along the Rath Yatra route in Shahpur, Khadia, and Dariapur, and established zonal control rooms to collect citizen reports regarding deteriorating structures. In response, the municipal body mandated structural stability certificates for all buildings older than 15 years — a regulation that is now being enforced after significant delays.
Point of View
It becomes imperative for municipal authorities to prioritize the safety of residents. NationPress remains committed to bringing attention to these critical issues affecting our communities.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the building collapse in Ahmedabad?
The building had long shown signs of structural deterioration, including cracks in the upper sections, particularly the third-floor shed, which ultimately failed.
How many residents were evacuated during the incident?
A total of 16 residents, including infants and elderly individuals, were successfully evacuated by the Fire and Emergency Services.
What actions are being taken regarding other dilapidated buildings in Ahmedabad?
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has been urged to inspect remaining structures and initiate demolitions to prevent further risks, especially with the monsoon approaching.
What is the current status of unsafe buildings in Ahmedabad?
As of early 2025, 292 buildings have been flagged as unsafe, with a significant number categorized as dilapidated and many having already collapsed.
What should residents do if they notice structural issues in their buildings?
Residents are encouraged to report any structural issues to their respective ward offices immediately to ensure safety.
