NEW DELHI: The death toll in the building collapse in Sohana village of Mohali district climed to two on Sunday, as the body of a man was recovered from the rubble.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening when the multi-storey building caved in, trapping at least five people beneath the debris.
Sub-divisional magistrate Damandeep Kaur confirmed the recovery of the man’s body, although the identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained.
Earlier, a 20-year-old woman from Himachal Pradesh was pronounced dead after being pulled out of the wreckage in critical condition. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.
The rescue operation continued through the night with the help of multiple excavators, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, and state rescue teams. Medical teams and ambulances were deployed at the site to assist the injured.
Authorities have launched an investigation and booked two building owners in connection with the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that the incident may have been caused by construction work and digging at an adjacent plot.
In a social media post, the Western Command of the Indian Army praised the swift and coordinated efforts of the Army, NDRF, and state teams to clear the debris, with the Engineer Task Force and machinery working tirelessly to reach the basement.
Meanwhile, local hospitals in Mohali, including Civil Hospital, Fortis, Max, and Sohana, were put on alert to treat the injured.
Director general of police Gaurav Yadav visited the site and assured that a multi-agency rescue operation was ongoing.