In a tragic incident on Monday afternoon, a cold storage facility in Prayagraj collapsed killing at least four people and critically injuring 9 (casualties are likely to increase). This accident triggered an ammonia gas leak leading to a large-scale emergency operation to control the situation. The officer in charge, senior police officer Kuldeep Gunawat shared that the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping workers under the debris. “All the injured workers have been rescued and admitted to hospital,” Gunawat confirmed. Meanwhile, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma shared that officials are currently preparing a list of identified victims and trying to find those not yet identified. “Relief and rescue operations were carried out swiftly. We are compiling details of the injured and those evacuated safely,” Verma said.

Ammonia Leak Complicates Rescue Efforts

Immediately after the structure collapsed, ammonia gas began leaking from the facility. Fire brigade teams are trying to control the leak and police and district administration have already cordoned off the area to avoid risks. An inquiry into the matter has already begun. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Additionally, he ordered proper treatment of those injured. CM office is closely monitoring the situation.

PM Modi announces ₹2 lakh ex gratia

PM Modi took to X and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh. “Deeply saddened by the mishap due to the collapse of a building in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families in this difficult hour. May those injured recover at the earliest. Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would receive Rs 50,000,” Modi said.

What Eyewitnesses Said?

One eyewitness shared that many workers mostly from Bihar were inside the facility when the wall collapsed. Some were packing or unpacking potatoes, while many were eating when they were buried under the debris.

The Chief Fire Officer Chandra Mohan Sharma shared that there has been heavy ammonia gas leakage. At least 10 people have been pulled safely out of the debris, all have been sent to hospital and are receiving treatment. “The incident happened around 2 PM. When my team reached here, there was already heavy ammonia gas around. Both the rescue operation and the team are controlling the fumes.”

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