What Happened in Indore? Two Lives Lost in Building Collapse

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two fatalities and 12 injuries reported in the collapse.
- Building showed signs of distress prior to the incident.
- Rescue operations faced challenges due to narrow lanes.
- Authorities promise a thorough investigation.
- Community support needed for affected families.
Indore, Sep 23 (NationPress) Tragically, two individuals lost their lives and 12 more were injured when a three-storey structure unexpectedly gave way in the Ranipura area of Indore, close to the Daulatganj locality, as confirmed by officials on Tuesday.
The building, situated on Jawahar Marg, collapsed around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, sending shockwaves through one of the city’s most bustling neighborhoods.
Rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene, working tirelessly amidst darkness and debris to save any survivors. The deceased were identified as Alfia, a 20-year-old woman, and her uncle, Faimuddin Ansari. Both were discovered under the rubble and pronounced dead at Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital, where all injured individuals were treated.
The injured included a three-month-old baby girl named Yasira and a seven-year-old boy, Nabi Ahmad. Other victims are Altaf (28), Rafi Uddin (60), Sabista Ansari (28), Sabiuddin (62), Salma Bi (45), Alia Ansari (23), Shahida Ansari (55), Aminuddin (40), Afreen (32), and Mohammad Ahmad.
According to doctors at MYH, while most injured individuals are in stable condition, they are under close monitoring. Four victims are reported to be critically injured, as stated by Dr. Arvind Ghanghoria, Dean of MGM Medical College.
The building, which was reportedly between eight to ten years old, had exhibited signs of structural issues for quite some time. Residents had previously raised alarms about cracks in the walls and peeling plaster, but no remedial measures were undertaken.
Sources indicate that the building's basement had been waterlogged for many years, with stagnant water gradually compromising the foundation. Although the basement was sealed off, the accumulated water continued to weaken the structure, ultimately resulting in its sudden collapse.
This incident is being associated with a long-standing family dispute, as no family member took responsibility for draining the water, which is now believed to have directly contributed to the incident. The front part of the building had recently been renovated, while the back remained perilously unstable.
On Monday evening, there were only a handful of people inside, a factor that neighbors believe minimized the casualties. Some individuals trapped within managed to make phone calls from beneath the debris, aiding rescuers in locating them, as reported by police officials. One injured man noted that his leg was trapped but he was otherwise unharmed.
Navigating the narrow lanes of Daulatganj was a challenge for rescuers and ambulances, which necessitated transporting the injured on stretchers through congested pathways to Jawahar Marg, where ambulances were ready to take them to MY Hospital.
Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, District Collector Shivam Verma, and Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh were present at the site, overseeing rescue operations and ensuring that medical assistance reached the victims without delay.
The building was owned by Mustakeen Ansari and housed four families, totaling approximately 15 residents.
According to Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh, 14 individuals were trapped; of those, 12 have been rescued. The remaining two were located and extracted after a five-hour operation.
Authorities have pledged a comprehensive investigation into the building’s condition and the lack of action in response to prior complaints. For the time being, the focus remains on treating the injured and providing support to the affected families.