Tragedy Strikes as Building Collapse Claims Lives: Investigation Underway
A devastating incident unfolded on Saturday morning in the Roop Nagar area of Loni, where a building collapsed, resulting in the loss of lives and numerous injuries. The incident, which occurred around 11 am, shook the neighborhood and left many in shock and disbelief.
According to eyewitnesses, a loud explosion-like sound was heard before the entire structure came crashing down, trapping seven people inside. Emergency services, including the police and disaster rescue personnel, immediately initiated a three-hour operation to rescue those trapped under the debris. Miraculously, all seven individuals were eventually rescued and rushed to a nearby health center for medical attention.
The victims were identified as Shaista Parveen and her two daughters, Alisha and Alina, Noori (wife of Zafir Mohammad), Geeta Devi, Mohammad Imran, and Mehwis Khatoon. However, the ordeal did not end there as two individuals, Alisha and Imran, succumbed to their injuries that same afternoon. Sadly, Alina passed away in the evening, adding to the tragic loss of life.
As the rescue efforts concluded, authorities began to investigate the cause of the collapse. Conflicting reports emerged, with some residents claiming that a blast from an LPG cylinder triggered the incident, while others alleged that the building was being used for the illegal manufacturing of firecrackers. To ascertain the truth, an inquiry has been initiated, and investigators are collecting evidence from the site.
One witness, Mohammad Farman, shared his account of the incident, mentioning that he had seen a large cloud of smoke emanating from the building. Farman also stated that he had heard rumors of firecracker manufacturing taking place on the premises, and three of the injured individuals were supposedly working there.
Identifying the building owner as Mohammad Imran, authorities discovered that he had rented out the property to a man named Mohammad Shariq, who is currently untraceable. The investigation aims to uncover the activities being conducted within the building and shed light on why women and children from the locality were present at the time of the collapse.
Arun Dixit, the subdivisional magistrate of Loni, commented on the incident, highlighting the transformation of the area from an industrial zone to a residential one over time. He emphasized that the police are diligently investigating the cause of the tragedy.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of building safety and adherence to regulations. The authorities are considering filing a First Information Report (FIR) into the incident, signifying the seriousness with which they are approaching the matter.
As the inquiry continues, the community mourns the loss of innocent lives and hopes for a thorough investigation that will shine a light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic building collapse.
