Tragic Building Collapse in Surat, India: 7 Dead, Several Trapped as Rescue Efforts Continue

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The tragic building collapse of the 6-storey building in Surat has led to a significant loss of life and left many others trapped under the debris.
Tragic Building Collapse in Surat Seven Dead, Several Trapped as Rescue Efforts Continue

A devastating incident unfolded in Surat, Gujarat, as a six-storey building collapsed on Saturday afternoon amid heavy rainfall, leading to a tragic loss of life and leaving many others trapped under the debris. The disaster, which occurred in the Sachin area, has claimed the lives of seven individuals, with rescue operations still underway to save those who remain trapped.

The Collapse: What Happened?

The incident took place at around 3 PM in the D N Nagar society in Paligam, where a six-storey building, primarily housing textile workers and their families, suddenly collapsed. According to authorities, the building had about 30 flats, of which only five were occupied at the time of the collapse. Most residents were laborers working in factories at Sachin GIDC, living there on rent.

Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts

The collapse triggered an immediate response from rescue teams, with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) quickly arriving at the scene. These teams, alongside the local fire department, have been working tirelessly through the night to locate and rescue survivors. As of Sunday morning, the rescue efforts are still ongoing, with many feared to be trapped under the rubble.

Surat Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 6), Rajesh Parmar, provided an update on the situation, stating that seven bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem. Among the survivors is a 23-year-old woman, Kashish Sharma, who was rescued and rushed to New Civil Hospital, where her condition is stable.

The Victims and Those Still Trapped

The first body recovered from the site was that of a man around 25 years old. The details of the other victims are still awaited. Most of the residents of the building were laborers who were either at work or sleeping after night shifts when the building collapsed. The exact number of people still trapped remains unclear, but estimates suggest that 6-7 individuals could still be under the debris.

Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot stated that they could hear voices from inside the rubble, indicating that some trapped individuals are still alive. He also mentioned that the building had a sandwich-like collapse, making the rescue operation particularly challenging.

Tragic Building Collapse in Surat Seven Dead, Several Trapped as Rescue Efforts Continue

Building Background and Ownership

The collapsed building was constructed in 2017 and, despite being only eight years old, was reported to be in a dilapidated condition. The building is owned by Jay Desai, a resident of Sachin, who is currently on a tour in the US.

Local MLA Sandeep Desai mentioned that the laborers residing in the building were originally from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Response

The sudden collapse caused chaos in the area, with locals rushing to the site to help rescue those trapped under the debris. Eyewitnesses described hearing cries for help from inside the rubble. One of the locals, who was part of the initial rescue efforts, recounted the moment they rescued Kashish Sharma and rushed her to the hospital.

Challenges Faced by Rescue Teams

Rescue teams have been facing significant challenges due to the structure of the collapsed building and the ongoing heavy rainfall. The sandwich-like collapse has made it difficult for rescuers to navigate through the debris safely. Despite these challenges, the SDRF and NDRF teams continue to work diligently, using advanced equipment to locate survivors.

The Aftermath and Ongoing Efforts

The focus remains on rescuing those still trapped and providing medical assistance to the injured. The recovered bodies have been sent for post-mortem, and the authorities are working to identify the victims and inform their families. The exact cause of the building’s collapse is yet to be determined, but initial reports suggest that the heavy rains could have been a contributing factor.

Summary

The tragic collapse of the six-storey building in Surat has led to a significant loss of life and left many others trapped under the debris. Rescue operations by the SDRF and NDRF continue, with teams working around the clock to save as many lives as possible. The incident has highlighted the urgent need for stringent building safety regulations and regular maintenance checks to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the rescue efforts progress, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families and ensuring that those responsible for the building’s condition are held accountable. The community and authorities are united in their efforts to overcome this tragedy and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

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