Prayagraj tragedy: 4 killed, 12 injured as cold storage collapses. (Photo: X/ANI)
At least four workers lost their lives, and 12 others were injured after a portion of a cold storage facility collapsed in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday afternoon. The collapse triggered an ammonia gas leak, leading to a major emergency response from local authorities.
Senior police officer Kuldeep Gunawat confirmed that the structure caved in suddenly, trapping workers under debris. “All the injured workers have been rescued and admitted to hospital,” he said. Rescue operations were ongoing, with concerns that more people could be trapped.
District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said the administration received the first information about the collapse between 1:30 pm and 2 pm. “12 labourers were injured in the incident and are receiving treatment at SRN Hospital. Four labourers died,” he added.
Following the collapse, ammonia gas began leaking from the facility, prompting emergency containment measures. Police, the district administration, SDRF, and fire brigade teams have been deployed to manage the situation.
Police Commissioner Joginder Kumar stated that an NDRF team has been called in from Varanasi, while three SDRF teams are already at the site, working to secure the area and prevent further risk.
Authorities revealed that the cold storage facility is connected to former Samajwadi Party MLA Ansar Ahmad. A magisterial enquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the collapse. Officials have stated that strict action will be taken against those found negligent, and the horticulture department’s role in approving the facility is also under scrutiny.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the incident as “deeply tragic and heart-wrenching” and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. He announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for each deceased worker’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief in a post shared by the PMO on X, saying he was “deeply saddened” and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of the deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000.
Authorities are closely monitoring the site as rescue and safety measures continue. The incident has raised concerns over structural safety standards in industrial facilities across Uttar Pradesh.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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