Kota Building Collapse Kills Two, Injures Over 10; Rescue Operations Continue
A three-storey building housing a restaurant collapsed in the Talwandi area of Kota late Saturday, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals and leaving over 10 others injured. Among the deceased was a coaching centre student, highlighting the area's dense population of aspirants drawn to Kota's renowned educational hubs.
Frantic Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams, including police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), rushed to the site immediately after the collapse, which occurred around 9pm. The neighbourhood, typically bustling with students from nearby coaching centres, was thrown into chaos as screams echoed from beneath the wreckage. At the time of reporting, teams were still battling to pull survivors from the debris, with rescuers noting harrowing scenes such as a hand protruding from rubble and a foot trapped under twisted metal.
Preliminary Cause and Impact
Kota district collector Peeyush Samariya stated that preliminary findings suggest construction activity at an adjacent building weakened the foundations of the collapsed structure. Residents reported heavy drilling and hammering in the area for days, causing vibrations that may have contributed to the disaster. The Talwandi area, known for its proximity to coaching centres, experiences heavy student movement throughout the day and late into the night, amplifying the incident's impact.
Victims and Response
One of the deceased has been identified as Arnav, a coaching student originally from West Bengal. His mother was critically injured in the collapse and was admitted to a city hospital. The second victim remained unidentified at the time of publication. Education minister Madan Dilawar visited the site, emphasizing that rescue and relief operations are ongoing to address the aftermath of this devastating event.
