Mohali, December 22, 2024 – The death toll in the tragic Mohali building collapse climbed to two on Sunday after rescue teams recovered the body of a 29-year-old IT professional. The incident, which occurred in Sohana village of Punjab’s Mohali district on Saturday evening, has been attributed to unauthorized excavation on an adjacent plot.
Details of the Incident
The multi-storey building collapsed suddenly, trapping at least five people under the debris. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, and state rescue units, worked through the night using heavy machinery and specialized equipment to locate survivors.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Damandeep Kaur identified the recovered body as that of Abhishek Dhanwal, a resident of Ambala. According to Dhanwal’s father, he was last seen at a gym located in the collapsed building. The first fatality, a 20-year-old woman from Himachal Pradesh, was rescued in critical condition on Saturday but succumbed to her injuries in the hospital shortly after.
Preliminary Findings
Initial investigations revealed that unauthorized digging for basement construction on an adjacent plot caused the structural collapse. Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Pareek confirmed that the building owner had not obtained the necessary permissions for the excavation.
“We have registered cases against the building’s owners, and accountability will be fixed after a thorough investigation,” said Viraj S Tidke, the officiating deputy commissioner of Mohali.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, visited the site on Sunday and criticized the district administration for failing to enforce construction regulations.
“This incident is a glaring example of administrative negligence. Accountability must be ensured to prevent such tragedies in the future,” Bajwa stated. He also alleged that many structures in the area violated construction norms and demanded stricter enforcement of building regulations.
Bajwa held the Deputy Commissioner accountable for the lapses, calling for immediate corrective measures to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigations
Rescue operations are continuing as teams clear debris in search of any additional victims. Medical teams remain on-site to assist with emergency response.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter oversight and adherence to safety protocols in construction activities. Authorities have assured a comprehensive investigation to determine responsibility and implement corrective measures.
Further updates will follow as rescue efforts and investigations progress.
