A tragic incident unfolded at Kannauj railway station on Saturday when a lintel collapsed during ongoing construction work, leaving at least 24 laborers trapped under the debris. The collapse occurred around 2:30 PM during a beautification project at the site.
Authorities reported that approximately 30 to 35 workers were present at the station when the accident happened. Rescue teams have managed to pull 15 workers to safety, with two of them in critical condition. All rescued individuals were immediately transported to a nearby district hospital for medical attention. Efforts are still ongoing to locate and rescue those believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.
Aseem Arun, the Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Minister and BJP MLA representing Kannauj (Sadar) visited the scene to oversee rescue efforts. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Arun said, “Our top priority is to ensure that everyone trapped under the debris is rescued. Rescue operations are in full swing, and we are committed to saving lives. The rescued workers are receiving treatment, and many are reported to be stable and out of danger.”
Arun also confirmed that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the collapse and ensure accountability.
Railway authorities provided an official update, noting that the shuttering collapsed during slab casting at 2:39 PM, resulting in injuries to five workers. “The injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment,” said railway officials.
Inspector General of Kanpur Range, Jogendra Kumar, confirmed that no fatalities have been reported so far. He assured that all rescued workers are receiving proper medical care and that senior officials have been tasked with investigating the incident to identify potential negligence or structural issues.
The collapse has raised concerns about safety protocols at construction sites, especially during critical projects like the beautification of railway stations. With rescue teams working tirelessly to clear the debris, the focus remains on saving lives and ensuring the well-being of those affected.