Indore, 23 September (IANS) In a commercial building in Vijay Nagar area of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a sudden structural failure injured 14 people on Monday evening, raising immediate questions about a sharp emergency response and urban security compliance.
According to Indore Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar, 10 persons were initially found to be stranded inside the building and were safely taken to a nearby hospital.
He said, “Rescue operations are going on because two more people are trapped,” he said earlier.
The incident occurred during regular operations when a part of the multi-storey building was allegedly given way, causing nervousness between the residents and passers-by. Eyewitnesses described listening to the sound of a loud hoof after a cloud of dust and debris.
A local shopkeeper Ramesh Patel said, “It was terrible. People were shouting and walking for security. Some were trapped under the rubble.”
Indore Municipal Corporation, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police emergency teams arrived within minutes.
With the snower dogs and thermal imaging equipment deployed to detect the remaining people, late attempts continued at night. Preliminary reports indicate that three persons suffered serious injuries, while 11 others suffered minor to moderate wounds. All were rushed to my hospital, where three ICUs are subject to observation.
By Monday night, all the injured were reported to be stable.
Initial investigation suggests that the collapse may be caused by unauthorized structural modifications or poor maintenance.
Officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) and Indore Development Authority (IDA) have started a detailed structural audit of the building and surrounding properties.
Indore Collector Ashish Singh said, “A complete investigation has been ordered, and action will be taken against those responsible.”
Authorities have sealed the building and extracted adjacent structures as a precaution. The incident has relied on debate on the enforcement of code building code in rapid expansion in urban centers like Indore. Civic groups and residents are calling for strict oversight and regular inspection to prevent such tragedies from occurring. City officials have urged citizens to report any signal of structural instability to local authorities.
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SKTR/DPB