The Chandigarh Administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the collapse of a building in Industrial Area, Phase 2, that killed two people. No police case has been registered so far.
Building collapse during renovation work
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav told that the two-storey building came down on Saturday evening while renovation work was under way. Rescue operations were launched immediately by the Administration, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joining the effort.
Six people were trapped under the debris. Four were pulled out with injuries and taken to hospital. Two later died.
The SDM (East) has been asked to inquire into the incident and determine the cause of the collapse. The building branch of the Estate Office and the engineering department of the Chandigarh Administration are involved in the investigation.
According to The Indian Express, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. He added that as per information received so far, the building structure is being examined.
Rescue and response efforts
Officials said a probe will be conducted to ascertain the circumstances leading to the building collapse. The administration has not yet registered a police case in the matter.
Last year, a vacant building collapsed in Sector-17, though no one was hurt in that incident. The structure had been declared unsafe by the authorities before it came down crashing.
Our Take: Accountability must follow inquiry
In our view, the magisterial probe is the right step, but it must be thorough and fast. Two lives have been lost, and the families deserve answers. The fact that no police case has been registered yet is concerning. If negligence is found, those responsible must face consequences. Building safety in industrial areas cannot be taken lightly, and this incident should push authorities to enforce stricter renovation and construction rules.