A three-storey building collapsed within seconds during repair work in the Gumanpura area of Kota, Rajasthan, on Tuesday, prompting a rescue operation by police and district administration officials. No casualties were reported in the incident.
The incident occurred in the Ghosi Mohalla area of Ballabhbari under the Gumanpura police station limits, where the old structure suddenly collapsed before local residents could react.
Eyewitnesses said the entire structure collapsed in nearly six seconds, causing panic in the locality.
According to officials, the building was already in a dilapidated condition and repair work was underway at the time of the collapse.
The building had been vacated due to the ongoing repair work and no permanent residents were inside when the incident occurred, preventing any loss of life.
Videos recorded by local residents showed the three-storey structure tilting to one side before collapsing completely within seconds. Dust and debris spread across the surrounding area following the collapse.
Residents informed the administration immediately after the incident, following which police and district administration teams reached the site.
Police cordoned off the area and prevented people from approaching the debris to ensure safety.
DSP Yogesh Sharma said the incident occurred at around 4:30 pm. He said preliminary assessment indicated that there was no loss of life, though rescue and relief operations had been initiated as a precaution.
Authorities also deployed a dog squad at the site to verify that no person was trapped under the debris.
Debris removal work was carried out using JCB machines as part of the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The incident led to large crowds gathering in the area, while additional police personnel were deployed to manage the situation and control the crowd.
Administrative officials said preliminary findings suggested that the building had become structurally weak due to its age.
Officials said the repair work may have placed additional pressure on the weakened structure, causing the sudden collapse. They added that the exact cause would be confirmed only after a detailed investigation.
The local administration has ordered an inquiry into the incident to determine whether safety standards were followed during the repair work.
Authorities are also examining the structural condition of the building and whether it had previously been declared unsafe.
Civil engineering experts said repair work on old structures without technical inspection can be hazardous, as weakness in walls or foundations may cause a complete collapse even under limited pressure.
Experts suggested that structural audits should be made mandatory before undertaking repairs on old buildings.
Local residents have urged the administration to identify and take action against unsafe and dilapidated buildings to prevent similar incidents.
