A massive rescue operation was launched in Chandigarh on Saturday after Building No. 28/9 in the city’s Industrial Area Phase-2 suddenly collapsed, reducing the structure to a mound of concrete, twisted metal and dust within moments. Authorities fear that several people may still be trapped beneath the debris as emergency teams continue their search through the rubble.
The collapse sent shockwaves through the busy industrial district, where factories, warehouses and commercial establishments remain active throughout the day. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the structure gave way, followed by a thunderous crash that could be heard from nearby buildings.
“Everything happened within seconds. There was a loud noise and then a cloud of dust covered the entire area. People started running towards the site and shouting for help,” a local worker present nearby recalled.
Police personnel, fire brigade teams and disaster response units rushed to the scene soon after receiving information about the incident. Rescue personnel immediately began clearing debris using heavy machinery while carefully searching for signs of survivors who may be trapped under collapsed slabs and steel structures.
Officials at the site have not yet confirmed the exact number of people who were inside the building at the time of the collapse. However, preliminary reports indicate that workers and visitors could have been present in the premises when the structure came down, raising fears of casualties and injuries.
The incident caused panic across the industrial hub of Chandigarh, with several employees from neighbouring units gathering near the site in hopes of receiving updates about those feared trapped. Family members of workers were also seen arriving at the location as rescue operations continued.
Authorities have cordoned off the surrounding area to prevent further risks and to allow emergency responders unhindered access to the debris field. Officials are also monitoring nearby structures to ensure that there is no additional danger to rescue workers or local businesses operating in the vicinity.
The cause of the collapse remains unclear, and investigators are expected to examine whether structural weaknesses, unauthorized modifications, construction defects or maintenance failures contributed to the disaster. Engineers and civic authorities are likely to conduct a detailed assessment once rescue efforts conclude.
Building collapses in rapidly developing urban and industrial regions often raise serious concerns over compliance with safety regulations and the structural integrity of ageing or modified buildings. The incident is expected to renew scrutiny over building inspections and enforcement mechanisms in industrial zones where thousands of workers spend long hours every day.
Senior administrative officials have reached the site and are monitoring the rescue efforts closely. Medical teams and ambulances remain on standby to transport injured persons to nearby hospitals as soon as they are located and evacuated from the debris.
As darkness approaches, floodlights and additional rescue equipment are being arranged to ensure that search operations continue uninterrupted through the evening. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel to carry out their work efficiently.
Officials said more details regarding casualties, injuries and the possible cause of the collapse will be shared once rescue teams complete their initial operations and verify information from the ground.