One dead as building that housed textile workers, families collapses in Surat

While JCB machines were put to work to remove the rubble, large slabs were broken using drilling machines. In the evening, authorities started fixing floodlights due to poor visibility.

Fire officials said a woman was found below the debris and taken to a hospital for treatment. (Express Photo by Hanif Malek)

A woman, Kashish Sharma (23), was rescued by fire officials and rushed to New Civil Hospital, where her condition is stable, said officials.

Surat Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 6) Rajesh Parmar said, “Each floor of the building has five to six flats, which were occupied by labourers working in factories at Sachin GIDC. Till now, one woman has been rescued, while attempts are being made to rescue one man.”

JCB machines were put to work to remove the rubble, while large slabs were broken using drilling machines. (Express Photo by Hanif Malek)

“It is difficult to say how many people were inside the building when it collapsed. Many labourers and occupants of the flats are on day shift duties in textile factories,” he added.

Sources said that the building is owned by Jay Desai, resident of Sachin who is at present in the US on a tour.

Rekha Vijay Mahoto (32), a resident of the building, who works in a nearby textile factory, said she is looking for her husband Vijay Mahoto. “This morning, when I left for the factory, my husband was sleeping… I am trying to find him. Rescue officials are also looking for him,” she added.

Choryasi MLA Sandeep Desai, Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, District Collector Dr Sourabh Pardhi and municipal corporation staffers were at the spot to oversee rescue operations.

“The building, which was in a dilapidated condition, collapsed this afternoon. At present, debris is being removed and one woman has been rescued. It is difficult to say how many people are trapped,” Pardhi said, adding that NDRF and SDRF teams are on their way to Surat.

MLA Sandeep Desai added, “It is not known how many people are trapped inside. Labourers hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar stayed in the building, some with their families.”