A major structural failure occurred on Wednesday in the Rajaji Gali locality of Budhiya area, situated in Yamunanagar, Haryana. A substantial section of the approximately 250-year-old historic structure known as Raja Ji Mahal suddenly collapsed. The massive masonry wall caved in towards the narrow street, crashing directly onto a residential house located opposite the heritage building. At the time of the collapse, a married couple was inside the house and became trapped under the heavy falling debris, sustaining injuries. Hearing the loud crash, neighboring residents rushed to the spot immediately and initiated manual rescue operations. They cleared the rubble to pull the trapped couple out and arranged prompt transportation to a hospital for emergency medical care.
CCTV Footage Captures the Structural Collapse
The entire sequence of the incident was captured on a nearby CCTV camera installed in the lane. The security footage depicts the dilapidated, tall wall of the historic complex crumbling down without warning in a matter of seconds. As the wall gave way, dust engulfed the lane and the heavy materials slammed into the structure across the street. The incident triggered widespread panic and confusion throughout the neighborhood. Residents quickly gathered to locate the victims beneath the heap of bricks and mortar, ultimately managing to extract both individuals safely before rushing them to medical care.
Local Demands for Structural Audits of Heritage Buildings
According to local residents, the historic Raja Ji Mahal has stood for centuries, but large portions of its architecture had deteriorated into a precarious state over the years. The sudden collapse has renewed public concerns regarding the upkeep and structural integrity of aging heritage properties in populated residential pockets. Community members have called upon the local administration to conduct a comprehensive structural safety survey of all old and vulnerable buildings in the area. They emphasized the need for preventive measures and structural reinforcement to avoid catastrophic incidents in the future.
Tragic House Collapse Recalled in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh
The incident in Yamunanagar follows a similar tragedy reported last week from Pratapgarh district in Uttar Pradesh. In Mahuli village, relentless rainfall triggered the collapse of a 100-year-old dilapidated house. The structural failure occurred while the occupants were asleep inside, leading to the deaths of 6 members of the same family who were buried beneath the collapsed roof and walls.
Fatal Incident in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh Claims Two Lives
Hazardous structural collapses have also been reported in Himachal Pradesh. In Chhichhriya village, located within the Rajgarh development block of Sirmaur district, a residential house slid into a steep gorge. 4 individuals were inside the house when the collapse occurred. Local villagers launched an immediate rescue effort, extricating all 4 victims from the wreckage and transporting them to a nearby hospital. Tragically, 2 women succumbed to their injuries during treatment, while 2 injured children remain hospitalized. Following the accident, administrative officials stepped in to extend relief and emergency assistance to the surviving family members.
