Prayagraj. A horrific accident occurred around 1:30 pm on Wednesday in Chandpur village, in the district's Phaphamau area, when a cold storage facility collapsed. Four workers were killed and 12 others seriously injured. All the deceased and injured workers were reportedly from Bihar's Saharsa district.
Event details
According to local residents and workers, the accident occurred while the workers were resting after lunch. Suddenly, there was a loud explosion, and the entire building collapsed. Ammonia gas began leaking as it collapsed, making the surrounding area unbreathable.
Some workers are still feared trapped under the debris. Sources report varying numbers, with some reporting as many as 100 trapped workers, though this has not been confirmed.
Relief and rescue operations
Police, fire brigade, health teams, and local administration teams are engaged in rescue operations at the scene. NDRF and SDRF teams from Varanasi have also joined the rescue operation.
Several JCB machines have also been deployed to remove the debris. Police Commissioner Joginder Kumar confirmed that four workers died and 12 are being treated at SRN Hospital.
CM Yogi's cognizance and financial help
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognizance of the incident and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each to the bereaved families of the deceased and ₹50,000 each to the injured. He also directed that arrangements be made for proper treatment for the injured.
Investigation into the accident
This cold storage is said to belong to SP leader Ansar Ahmed. The district administration has formed a committee headed by the ADM Finance to investigate the incident, which will submit its report within the next 48 hours.
vigilance of the administration
District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma and other senior officials are constantly monitoring the situation. Local residents and rescue teams, wearing protective masks, continue to search for workers trapped in the debris.
present situation
Number of workers killed: 4
Number of workers injured: 12
Rescue operation underway, possibility of more people trapped under the debris
Ammonia gas leak, affecting surrounding area
