Part of building collapses during Rath yatra in Gujarat’s Dariyapur, 1 dead, 31 injured

DCP-Zone 4 Ahmedabad city police Dr Kanan Desai told The indian Express, “In the AMC’s list of dilapidated buildings as provided to the police, this building was not there. The balcony of the building was worn down and it is the balcony that collapsed and fell.”

rath yatra Gujarat Dariyapur building collapse

A portion of a dilapidated building collapsed at Dariyapur on the route of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra procession on Tuesday. (Express Photo)

Listen to this article

00:00

1x 1.5x 1.8x

A partial collapse of a building in Dariyapur on Tuesday afternoon resulted in the death of a 36-year old man, while 31 others have been admitted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for treatment of their injuries. The incident happened even as the Rath yatra was on and the building was on its passage route.

The deceased, Mehulbhai Panchal (36), was initially taken to BAPS Hospital where he was declared brought dead. The deceased person’s body has now been shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for post-mortem.

Also Read | Bulldozer leads rath yatra in Rajkot: To unite Hindus, protect Sanatan Dharma, say organisers

DCP-Zone 4 Ahmedabad city police Dr Kanan Desai told The indian Express, “In the AMC’s list of dilapidated buildings as provided to the police, this building was not there. The balcony of the building was worn down and it is the balcony that collapsed and fell.” Desai however added that the police is currently involved with the preliminary investigation and is not looking into the AMC’s role yet.

Express Opinion | Ahmedabad’s Rath Yatra: An opportunity for amity

AMC’s estate department of the central zone on June 17, had issued a public warning through newspapers cautioning the public to remove dilapidated parts of buildings in view of the upcoming monsoon season. It was further stated that in case any part of such buildings fall and cause damage to property or lives nearby, the complete responsibility of such incidents would lie with the said property’s owners/proprietors. The public warning had also noted that despite notices being issued by AMC under Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act under Section 264 to such dilapidated buildings, work had not been undertaken by the responsible proprietors to remove the dilapidated parts or to secure such structures. The public notice was signed by the AMC municipal commissioner.