January 11, 2025: Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh – A tragic incident occurred at Kannauj Railway Station on Friday when an under-construction building collapsed, trapping numerous workers under the debris. The collapse happened during construction work on a two-storey structure that was part of a station beautification project.
Around 35 Workers Were Present When the Two-Storey Building Under Construction at Kannauj Railway Station Collapsed; 23 Workers Rescued So Far
Rescue Efforts in Full Swing as Emergency Teams Rush to the Site
At the time of the accident, approximately 35 workers were on-site. Immediate rescue operations, coordinated by railway, police, and administrative authorities, have successfully freed 23 workers from the rubble. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate and save any remaining workers who might still be trapped.
District Magistrate Provides Update on Rescue Operations
District Magistrate Shubhrant Kumar Shukl, speaking to news agency PTI, confirmed that preliminary reports suggest the collapse occurred due to the failure of the shuttering on the building’s roof. “Our first priority is to rescue the workers who are trapped. We are utilizing all available resources for the ongoing rescue efforts,” Shukl said.
State Government Announces Compensation for Victims
The state government has also pledged immediate compensation to the victims. Those suffering from serious injuries will receive Rs 50,000, while individuals with minor injuries will be compensated with Rs 5,000. Relief and rescue operations continue at full scale, with teams from the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) being deployed from Lucknow to aid in the operations.
Ongoing Investigations into the Collapse
As investigations into the cause of the building collapse continue, local authorities are focusing on identifying any safety lapses that may have contributed to the tragic event. The project, part of an effort to improve the Kannauj Railway station‘s infrastructure, has raised questions about safety protocols during construction.