PRAYAGRAJ, UP — A cold storage facility collapsed in the Phaphamau area of Prayagraj on Monday following a loud explosion and an ammonia gas leak, leaving four labourers dead and more than a dozen others injured. The incident triggered panic in the surrounding area as rescue teams rushed to the site to contain the gas leak and pull workers from the debris.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
According to officials, four labourers lost their lives in the collapse. The deceased have been identified as Pilat Chaudhary, Mashinder, Jyotish, and Jagdish. Around 12 to 14 workers sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment. Rescue teams also managed to extract nearly 17 workers from the rubble during the operation.
Authorities said an ammonia gas leak occurred immediately after the structure collapsed, complicating the rescue efforts. Fire brigade teams worked to control the fumes while personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) carried out search and rescue operations at the site.
Facility Ownership and Location
The cold storage unit, located in Chandapur village under the Phaphamau area, reportedly belongs to Ansar Ahmed, a former Samajwadi Party MLA. Officials said the exact cause of the collapse will be determined after a detailed investigation.
Official Statements
District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said the administration received information about the incident between 1:30 pm and 2 pm, following which senior officials rushed to the location and initiated relief and rescue operations.
“Four labourers have died in the incident while 14 others were injured and are receiving treatment at SRN Hospital,” Verma said. He added that the precise cause of the collapse would be established only after a thorough investigation.
Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar stated that authorities will probe the licensing and structural integrity of the facility and assured strict action against those found responsible.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ganga Nagar) Kuldeep Gunawat confirmed that the structure collapsed suddenly but rescue teams were able to safely evacuate all workers trapped under the debris before they were shifted to hospitals.
Inquiry Ordered
The district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. A committee headed by the Additional District Magistrate (Finance) Vinita Singh has been tasked with submitting a detailed report within 48 hours.
PM Modi Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, he also wished a speedy recovery for those injured in the incident.
The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased victim and ₹50,000 for those injured.
CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Action
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and directed officials to ensure immediate rescue, relief, and proper medical treatment for the injured.
The state government has also announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. The chief minister has ordered a magisterial inquiry and instructed authorities to take strict action against anyone found responsible for the incident.
