20-Year-Old Himachal Woman Dies in Mohali Building Collapse; Rescue Efforts Continue

 A tragic building collapse in Punjab’s Mohali on Saturday claimed the life of 20-year-old Drishti Verma, a resident of Theog, Himachal Pradesh. Verma was pulled from the debris in critical condition and rushed to Sohana Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries, officials reported.

The four-storey structure collapsed in the evening, trapping at least five individuals beneath the rubble. Rescue operations were promptly initiated, with multiple agencies joining the efforts to locate survivorsViraj S. Tidke, the officiating deputy commissioner, confirmed that two excavators were deployed to expedite the rescue mission. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the fire brigade worked tirelessly at the site, utilizing earthmoving equipment and other machinery. Medical teams and ambulances were also on standby to assist the injured. Tidke urged residents with concerns about missing family members to contact the district control room at 0172-2219506.

Indian Army’s Swift Response

The Indian Army played a crucial role in the rescue operation, deploying an Engineer Task Force comprising 80 personnel equipped with advanced earthmoving machinery. Their efforts continued through the night, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to locating survivors.Hospitals across the city, including Civil Hospital, Fortis, Max, and Sohana, were placed on high alert to provide immediate medical attention to the injured.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his condolences and assured strict action against those responsible for the tragedy. "The entire administration and rescue teams are at the spot. I am in constant touch with the authorities," Mann said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). He appealed to the public to cooperate with the rescue teams and hoped for minimal loss of life.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Mohali), Deepak Pareek, confirmed that a case had been registered against the building’s owners, Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh. "Efforts are underway to clear the debris as soon as possible. Lighting arrangements have been made for continued rescue operations," Pareek stated.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse may have been triggered by the digging of a basement in a nearby area. Local residents reported hearing a loud noise moments before the building crumbled.Several prominent figures, including Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang and Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, visited the site to oversee the rescue operations and provide support.

The tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight in construction activities. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring no lives are left behind in the rubble.