At least 28 workers were rescued in a 16-hour-long operation after the collapse of an under-construction roof slab at Kannauj Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh on January 11. The tragic incident left several injured, nine of them seriously, as rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police worked tirelessly to save those trapped under the debris.
Immediate Rescue Efforts Save Lives
The collapse, which occurred when the shuttering of the roof gave way, trapped several workers at the site. Police and rescue personnel reached the location promptly, initiating a large-scale operation that ensured no fatalities were reported. According to District Magistrate Shubhrant Kumar Shukl, all 28 trapped workers were pulled out, marking the end of the rescue efforts early Sunday morning.
Kanpur Commissioner K Vijayendra Pandian, present at the site, stated, “We hope that no one else is trapped, but we are searching thoroughly.” Rescued workers were immediately taken to hospitals, with nine individuals receiving treatment for serious injuries.
CCTV Footage Sheds Light on the Incident
CCTV footage from the site captured the moment of the collapse. A laborer attempting to adjust the shuttering inadvertently caused a beam to slip, leading to the structural failure. This footage is now central to an investigation being conducted by a three-member committee formed by the North Eastern Railway (NER).
Government’s Swift Action and Support
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath responded swiftly to the disaster, directing officials to expedite relief operations and provide adequate medical care to the injured. He emphasized the importance of thorough safety measures at construction sites.
In addition, NER announced financial compensation for the victims: ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries and up to ₹2.5 lakh for workers who sustained serious injuries. These measures aim to provide relief to the affected individuals and their families.
Construction Under AMRUT Scheme
The project was part of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), a government initiative aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure. However, this incident has raised concerns over safety protocols and construction oversight under such schemes.
The NER committee, which includes senior officials like the Chief Engineer for Planning and Design and the Additional Divisional Railway Manager, is investigating the cause of the collapse and will submit its findings.
Focus on Preventing Future Tragedies
The Kannauj building collapse has spotlighted the urgent need for stringent safety standards at construction sites, particularly in public infrastructure projects. While the timely rescue efforts prevented fatalities, the incident underscores the importance of enforcing strict compliance with safety regulations to avoid similar mishaps.
With the investigation underway, authorities aim to identify and address the lapses that led to the collapse, ensuring that future projects under the AMRUT scheme and beyond prioritize worker safety above all else.