2016-17 built Gujarat building collapses; many believed to be trapped

Surat: A building built during 2016-17 collapsed in Sachin area in Gujarat's Surat on Saturday and it is feared that several people are trapped in rubbles. Following the collapse of the six-storied, police and fire departments rushed to the spot and rescue efforts are going on.

The incident happened in the Sachin GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) area. Business Standard reported that the family lived in the building as tenants.

Surat collector Sourabh Pardhi told PTI, "We received information that a six-storey building has collapsed. As per primary information, almost 4-5 flats were occupied. One lady has been rescued, but about 3-4 people are (still) trapped inside the rubble. Both NDRF and SDRF teams are working (to rescue them)."

Police Commissioner in Surat, Anupam Singh Gehlot, said that the building collapsed around 3 pm on Saturday, and many people living there got trapped. The fire brigade was summoned, and they reached the spot immediately and rescued a woman. According to the officer, the building was six-storied and housed 30 flats. Out of these, only 4-5 were occupied, and the rest were empty. Those who were sleeping after the night shift were inside, and others were out at work. There are 5-6 people believed to be trapped in debris, the officer said. He confirmed that the voices of trapped persons were heard at the beginning of the rescue efforts.

When rescue work started, we heard the voices of those who were trapped inside. We rescued a woman alive from the rubble and sent her to the hospital. We suspect that nearly five people are still trapped inside," stated Gehlot.

He said the building was constructed in 2016-17. Prima facie, around five flats in the building were occupied, mostly by those who work in factories in this area, Gehlot said.