15 people fear trapped after building collapses in Punjab Mohali, Army, NDRF join rescue operation

New Delhi:

Fifteen people are believed to be trapped under the debris of a building that collapsed in Mohali, Punjab this evening.

The Indian Army deployed specialized engineering equipment at 7:30 p.m. to clear debris and search for survivors.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the rescue efforts.

Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, Anandpur Sahib MP Malwinder Singh Kang and Mohali MP Kulwant Singh are supervising the rescue operation.

“A sad news has been received that a multi-storeyed building near Sohana in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) has collapsed. Entire administration and other rescue teams have been deployed to the spot. I am in constant contact with the administration,” the chief said. Minister Bhagwant Mann said in a message on X.

“We pray that there is no loss of life, we will also take action against the culprits. Call on the people to cooperate with the administration,” he added.

A resident said he heard a loud noise as the building collapsed. Authorities said preliminary information indicated the building collapsed after a basement was excavated in a nearby area. Local media reported that a gym was operating on all three floors of the collapsed building.