Prayagraj, March 23 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his sorrow on Monday regarding the devastating building collapse in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and declared financial support for those affected by this unfortunate event.

In a statement shared by the Prime Minister's Office on the social media platform X, he expressed being "deeply saddened by the incident involving the collapse of a building in Prayagraj" and offered his condolences to the families impacted.

He revealed an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased victim, while those injured will receive Rs 50,000.

Earlier on that day, a tragic occurrence unfolded as a cold storage facility collapsed with a loud bang in the Phaphamau area of Prayagraj, resulting in the deaths of four workers and injuries to several others.

The calamity transpired when the roof of the building caved in, prompting ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

The incident took place in Chandapur village along the Prayagraj-Lucknow highway, where a private cold storage plant suddenly collapsed following a loud explosion.

Prayagraj Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar stated that police, administrative personnel, and relief organizations swiftly arrived at the scene upon receiving news of the disaster.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have jointly commenced rescue operations, successfully retrieving 16 individuals from the rubble.

Authorities have confirmed four fatalities due to the accident, while numerous individuals have been injured, with some reported to be in critical condition.

The injured parties were promptly transported by ambulance to the Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, operated by the Uttar Pradesh government, where they are presently receiving medical care.

As per the district administration, the cold storage facility is reportedly owned by a local entrepreneur, Ansar Ahmad.

Initial investigations indicate potential structural negligence, although a thorough inquiry is currently being conducted at the District Magistrate level.

The police are also scrutinizing all facets of the incident.

In the aftermath of the building collapse, traffic on the Prayagraj-Lucknow highway was interrupted, leading to significant congestion in the Malak Harhar area.

A substantial police presence has been established at the scene, and traffic has been redirected.

Excavators are being utilized to clear the debris, with rescue operations persisting into the evening.

Prayagraj District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma and senior police officials are on-site, overseeing the ongoing rescue efforts.

The Prayagraj administration has assured that every feasible effort is being made to save anyone who may still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Authorities have mandated a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the catastrophe and promised stringent action against those deemed accountable for this tragedy.