an under-construction building at Kannauj railway station in Uttar Pradesh collapsed, trapping numerous workers under the debris. Rescue operations have successfully extricated 28 individuals, with six sustaining critical injuries.
The incident occurred during the construction of a new structure at the station, where approximately 40 workers were present. The collapse is attributed to the failure of the shuttering—a temporary support structure—of the roof slab.
Emergency response teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police, were promptly deployed to the site. Rescue efforts involved the use of sniffer dogs, drones, and other equipment to locate and assist those trapped.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the formation of a three-member committee to investigate the cause of the collapse. He stated, “A very tragic incident has occurred, and immediate action has been taken. An inquiry committee has also been set up there.”
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya assured that action would be taken against those found responsible for the incident. Meanwhile, Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav criticized the ruling administration, alleging negligence and corruption, and called for comprehensive medical support for the victims.
The injured workers are receiving treatment at a local hospital, and authorities have stated that the six critically injured individuals are currently out of danger. Rescue operations continue as officials ensure no individuals remain trapped under the debris.
This tragic event has raised concerns about construction safety standards and oversight at infrastructure projects, prompting calls for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future.