Ambala, Haryana: Six people were killed and 13 others were rescued after a section of an under-construction three-storey building collapsed in Dhulkot village of Haryana’s Ambala district on Sunday afternoon. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), worked through the night and the operation concluded around 15 hours after the building collapsed.
The incident occurred at around 3 pm when concrete slab work was underway on the third floor. According to workers at the site, labourers were working across all three floors when the rear portion of the building suddenly collapsed, trapping several people beneath the debris.
Three injured workers are currently undergoing treatment at Ambala City Hospital. Dr Aditi, the hospital’s Resident Medical Officer (RMO), said 12 injured people were initially brought to the hospital. Nine were treated and discharged, while three remained in critical condition.
Workers Were Present on All Three Floors
According to a worker at the site, plastering work was underway on the first floor, flooring work was being carried out on the second floor and concrete slab casting was in progress on the third floor when the structure collapsed.
The worker said around six to seven people were working on the first floor, three on the second floor and 10 to 12 on the third floor at the time of the incident. Several workers were trapped under the debris, while some managed to jump to safety.
The rear section of the building collapsed completely, while the front portion remained standing.
A worker named Ved Prakash, who was plastering the ground floor, said he became trapped under bricks and iron rods after the slab collapsed. He suffered a fractured arm but managed to pull himself out of the debris. He later learned that several of his colleagues, including a mason and labourers, had died.
Locals Raise Questions Over Construction
Some local residents have raised questions about the construction of the building, alleging that it was built rapidly and that some of its walls were only around four inches thick. Locals also alleged that concrete slabs were being cast before sufficient curing time had elapsed.
A labourer, Ramchandra, who said he had previously worked at the site, alleged that the shuttering for a concrete slab had not been installed properly. He claimed he left the work after noticing problems with the shuttering.
Another worker, Karan, said construction work had started on July 4 and that concrete slabs were generally being cast at intervals of around 15 days. These claims have not yet been independently established and are part of the ongoing inquiry.
Residents also said the building was intended to be used as a warehouse.
Ownership and Construction Records Under Investigation
Some people at the site identified the building with Jaggi Properties. A mason’s son, Sandeep, said his father, Ramji Das, 63, was working at the site when the building collapsed and died in the incident. He also said his father worked as a mason for Jaggi Properties.
However, Ambala SP Ajit Shekhawat said authorities were identifying the owner of the building and would take action if the construction was found to be unauthorised.
Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta said an inquiry was underway to establish when construction began and whether the building had the required approvals. Authorities will examine building and land records maintained by the Municipal Corporation and Tehsil office before deciding further action.
Revenue Department records reportedly show that the plot, measuring 25 feet by 123.6 feet, was sold in 2019. The construction contract was subsequently awarded to contractor Malkit Singh on June 13, 2026, at a rate of ₹200 per square yard, with an advance payment made to the contractor.
The exact cause of the collapse, including whether any construction or structural-safety violations contributed to the accident, will be determined through the ongoing investigation.