Jaipur, November 10: A tragic accident struck Jaipur’s Subhash Chowk area on Monday afternoon when a portion of an under-construction multi-storey building collapsed, leaving one person dead and several others injured. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. near Panni Garan ka Rasta, sending shockwaves through the densely populated neighbourhood.
The Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the roof and a supporting wall of the under-construction house suddenly gave way while work was in progress. Ataullah Mirza, a 56-year-old resident who was building the house for his son’s upcoming wedding, was standing on the ground floor when the structure crumbled.
Local residents immediately rushed to the site and helped rescue workers remove debris using bare hands and small equipment before emergency teams arrived.
Mirza was pulled out from the rubble and taken to SMS Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. At least three labourers sustained injuries and were admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Preliminary Investigation
Initial reports from the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) and police indicate that the construction was being carried out without proper structural support and may not have had official approval. Authorities suspect that the builder failed to install adequate pillars and beams before the concrete slab was laid.
An official from the municipal engineering wing stated, “The primary cause appears to be negligence and violation of construction norms. The slab could not bear the load, resulting in the sudden collapse.”
The site has been sealed for investigation, and a technical team has been directed to assess the structural integrity of nearby buildings to avoid further mishaps.
Emotional Aftermath
Family members of the deceased revealed that Mirza had been personally supervising the construction of the house for his son’s wedding, which was scheduled for next month. The tragedy has left the family and the entire neighbourhood in deep grief.
Local residents described Mirza as a kind and humble man, often seen helping labourers at the site himself.
Rescue and Response
Teams from the Civil Defence, SDRF, and local police worked for over two hours to clear the debris and ensure no one else was trapped underneath. Traffic in the narrow bylanes of Subhash Chowk was briefly halted to facilitate the rescue operations.
Officials later confirmed that all workers had been accounted for, though nearby residents were advised to stay cautious as minor cracks appeared in adjoining walls.
Wider Concerns Over Unsafe Construction
The tragic collapse has reignited concerns over unsafe and unauthorized constructions in Jaipur’s old city areas. Narrow lanes, congested plots, and weak regulatory enforcement make such areas prone to structural accidents.
Urban safety experts have urged the JMC to conduct a citywide audit of under-construction sites and suspend work at locations found violating structural safety norms.
Architect Rajeev Sharma, a local safety consultant, commented, “In many old parts of Jaipur, builders often overlook load-bearing designs and use substandard materials to cut costs. This puts not just workers but entire families at risk.”
Next Steps
Authorities have registered a case under relevant sections of the IPC related to negligence causing death. Police said further action would be taken once the technical inspection report is submitted.
The municipal commissioner has ordered a special inspection drive of all active construction sites in the Walled City zone starting Tuesday.