Mohali: A devastating building collapse in Punjab’s Mohali district late Saturday evening has left two persons dead, including a 20-year-old woman from Himachal Pradesh.
The body of the first victim, Drishti Verma, a resident of Theog in Shimla, was retrieved from the debris in a critical condition and rushed to Sohana Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The second victim’s identity remains unconfirmed, officials reported.
Teams from the Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are engaged in a race against time to rescue at least 10 persons believed to be trapped under the rubble for more than 17 hours.
Digging on adjacent plot suspected cause
Initial investigations suggest that the collapse of the four-storey building, which also housed a gym, was triggered by excavation work on an adjoining plot. The police have booked the building’s owners, Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh, under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
CM Bhagwant Mann vows action
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his grief over the tragedy and assured strict action against those responsible.
“Sad news has been received about a multistorey building collapse near Sohana in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). The administration and rescue teams are working tirelessly, and I am closely monitoring the situation,” he wrote on X.
“We pray for no further loss of life. I urge people to cooperate with the administration. Those found guilty will face strict consequences,” Mann added.
The authorities have issued a helpline — 0172-2219506 — for those seeking updates or assistance related to the incident.
