Wall Collapse During Demolition Drive in Ahmedabad Kills Four

Locals allege the municipal corporation tried to demolish the building even as occupants were still in it.

A 20-foot wall from a two story building fell on 5 people during a demolition drive carried out by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. The image is used for representational purpose. (Photo: iStockphoto)

At least four people were killed on Tuesday after a 20-foot wall of a two-storey building collapsed when a team from Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) began demolishing illegal properties in Nikol area. One person was reportedly injured.

Alleging gross negligence on the part of AMC team, locals have gathered at the spot in large numbers and have refused to take the bodies unless action is initiated against the culprits. The wall collapsed on the victims during the demolition drive in Uttamnagar area of Nikol in the eastern part of the city, officials said.

Officials of city fire brigade rushed to the spot in the afternoon and are engaged in search and rescue operations as 2-3 people are feared to be trapped in the rubble.

We have pulled out four bodies from the rubble. Three bodies are still lying on the spot while one has been shifted to the civil hospital. One person was rescued alive in a critical condition and rushed to the nearby hospital. The operation is still on to rescue others.

<b>Fire Brigade Official</b>

JCB Tried to Demolish Building With Occupants Still Inside, Allege Locals

Locals have alleged that a JCB machine of the AMC team went on to demolish a two-storey commercial building even as occupants were still inside.

As part of our protest, at least 8-10 persons, mainly occupants of shops and their family members, stood in front of the JCB machine when it came to demolish the complex. We urged the AMC team to give some more time. However, the AMC team ignored our plight and ordered the JCB operator to demolish the structure.

<b>Suresh Patel, Eyewitness and Protester</b>

As the situation became tense after the mishap, a large contingent of the police force has been deployed in the area.