Rajasthan: At least two people were killed and 13 others were injured after an under-construction building collapsed in the Indravihar area of Kota on Sunday, officials said. The structure reportedly gave way from top to bottom while construction work was in progress, triggering a major rescue and relief operation by local authorities.
Senior officials said preliminary findings point to possible negligence in construction quality, though a detailed technical investigation has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
Collapse occurred during construction work
According to authorities, labourers and workers were present at the site when the building suddenly collapsed. Eyewitnesses reported that the structure came down rapidly, trapping several people under debris before emergency teams could reach the location.
Police, fire and emergency response teams were rushed to the site soon after the incident was reported. Rescue personnel began clearing debris and searching for trapped workers using manual and mechanical equipment.
Officials confirmed that two persons died in the incident, while 13 others sustained injuries of varying severity. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for immediate treatment.
Preliminary findings cite possible construction lapses
Kota Divisional Commissioner Anil Kumar Agrawal said early inputs suggest that poor construction quality may have contributed to the collapse. He noted that the building failed structurally from the upper levels downward.
“Two deaths have been reported and 13 people are injured. Initial information suggests the collapse could be due to poor construction quality. A detailed technical investigation will be carried out and the findings will be made public,” Agrawal told reporters.
He also stated that residents in the area had previously raised concerns and complaints about drilling activity and construction practices at the site. These complaints will be examined as part of the formal inquiry.
Technical inquiry team to examine site
Officials said a technical team will inspect the collapsed structure, review building plans, permissions, material quality and construction methods. Records relating to approvals and supervision will also be scrutinised.
If violations of building norms or safety standards are found, strict action will be taken against the responsible parties, authorities indicated. The role of contractors, engineers and site supervisors will be examined.
The district administration is expected to seal the site until the safety audit and documentation process is completed.
Rescue and medical response mobilised
Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately after the collapse, with coordinated action by multiple departments. Ambulances were deployed to transport the injured, and hospitals were alerted to prepare for emergency admissions.
Medical officials said some of the injured are undergoing treatment for fractures and crush injuries. The condition of a few victims is reported to be serious, and they are under close observation.
Authorities said they are maintaining a list of victims and informing family members.
Om Birla expresses grief, directs speedy response
Lok Sabha Speaker and Kota MP Om Birla expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said he is in constant touch with the district administration regarding rescue and relief measures.
In a post on X, Birla said he had directed the District Collector and other senior officials to expedite rescue operations and ensure prompt and proper medical treatment for all injured persons.
He also conveyed condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Safety compliance under scrutiny
Officials said the incident has again highlighted the importance of strict compliance with construction safety norms, quality checks and regulatory oversight at building sites. Urban development and municipal authorities are expected to review ongoing construction projects in the area to prevent similar incidents.
Conclusion
With two lives lost and several injured, the collapse has raised serious questions about construction standards and site supervision. Authorities have ordered a detailed technical probe, and further action will depend on the findings of the investigation.