Pune Wall Collapse Kills 15 People

On the 29th of June, a compound wall of a complex collapsed, killing approximately 15 people and injuring 3 in Kondhwa, Pune.

The compound wall of the Alcyn Stylus residential complex collapsed due to heavy rain, around 1:45 A.M.

On the 28th of June, Pune recorded heavy rainfall of 73.1 millimetres, which is the second highest rainfall recorded in June since 2010.

Naval Kishore Ram, the Collector of Kondhwa district of Pune, said, “The workers were living in a camp of an under construction site.” He further added, “Wall collapsed due to heavy rains. Prima facie, builder seems to be at fault as he set labour camp right adjacent to the wall.”

The Pune Police registered a case and initiated an investigation regarding the same.

K. Venkatesham, the Chief of the Pune Police, said, “Our team is investigating the reasons behind the incident. Firm action will be taken against those responsible. We will check whether proper permissions were taken and safety measures were followed.”

Mukta Tilak, the Mayor of Pune, immediately ordered, every construction work in Kondhwa be stopped until further instructions.

The squatters lined right next to the wall, where labourers from Bengal and Bihar were residing, were badly affected. Fifteen people, including 4 children and a woman, died after the 12 to 15 feet high wall collapsed on the shanties.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF,) the fire brigade team and the Police force are currently conducting a rescue operation.

Ajay Kumar Dilip Sharma (19) and Pooja Rajesh Sharma (25) were rescued and admitted to Sassoon Hospital, Pune. They are undergoing treatment and are stable.

Devendra Fednavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, took to Twitter and conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

Stay tuned for further updates.