Kannauj Tragedy: Under-construction roof collapses at railway station, trapping workers

A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon at Kannauj railway station in Uttar Pradesh, where an under-construction roof collapsed, trapping nearly two dozen workers under the rubble. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working tirelessly to save lives. So far, six workers have been rescued and hospitalized for treatment.

Rescue Efforts in Full Swing

Emergency services, including ambulances stationed nearby, are providing first aid and transporting the injured to the district hospital, where the emergency ward is on high alert. Doctors remain on standby to handle the situation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure the swift rescue of those trapped and provide adequate medical care to the injured.

Eyewitness Accounts and Preliminary Findings

District Magistrate Shubhrant Kumar Shukla, overseeing the rescue efforts on-site, confirmed that preliminary reports indicate the collapse occurred due to a failure in the shuttering during concrete pouring. “Our top priority is to rescue the trapped workers. All resources are being mobilized,” he assured.

Mahesh Kumar, a worker who narrowly escaped, recounted the horrifying moment. “The shuttering suddenly gave way as the concrete was being poured. Everyone standing on it fell. I was at the edge and managed to escape,” he said.

Government Response and Relief Measures

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced ex-gratia payments of ₹50,000 for workers with serious injuries and ₹5,000 for those with minor injuries. State Relief Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami is coordinating with the Kannauj district administration to streamline the relief operations. Senior railway officials, including the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), are also present at the site to assess the situation.

Scene of Chaos

Initial footage from the site captured the chaotic aftermath—crowds gathering amid clouds of dust and shattered beams as rescuers worked against the clock to save lives. The incident highlights the urgent need for stringent safety measures at construction sites.

The rescue operation continues as authorities work to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected workers.