3 Dead, Several Trapped After Dilapidated Building Collapses at Jharkhand Hospital
A tragic incident unfolded late Saturday night at MGM Hospital in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, when a part of a dilapidated building collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others under the debris. According to authorities, fifteen people were initially reported to be trapped, and a search operation is ongoing to recover one remaining body.
The Incident
The collapse occurred in the older section of the hospital, which had been reported to be in poor condition. Local police and emergency services quickly responded to the scene, and by Sunday morning, twelve people had been rescued from under the rubble. Despite the efforts, three individuals were confirmed dead. The identity of the victims has yet to be officially released.
East Singhbhum Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) confirmed the details of the incident, stating, “Two bodies have been recovered after part of a dilapidated building at MGM Hospital in Jamshedpur collapsed. We received information that fifteen people were trapped under the rubble, and twelve of them have been rescued.”
Government Response
In response to the tragedy, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari, acting on the instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, visited the site to oversee rescue efforts and meet with the affected families. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to standing by the families of the deceased. “Our priority is to stand with the families of the deceased. They will be given Rs 5 lakh each as compensation, and the injured will receive Rs 50,000,” he said. He also assured the public that concrete steps would be taken to prevent such an incident from occurring in the future.
Ansari further stated that he had traveled to the site with the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department and had held an emergency meeting with the district administration. He also confirmed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and district officials were actively involved in the ongoing rescue operations. “A high-level investigation has been ordered, and strict action will be taken against those responsible within a week,” Ansari added.
Expressing his condolences, the health minister said, “The tragedy caused by the collapse of a part of the building is extremely sad. May God give peace to the departed souls and strength to their families.”
BJP Criticism and Allegations
The incident has also sparked political controversy, with BJP leaders strongly criticizing the state government’s handling of the situation. BJP leader Pratul Shah Deo was particularly vocal, accusing the state administration of negligence. “This is a tragic incident, but we do not consider it an accident. These are deliberate killings of the poor by the system. The Chief Minister admitted that the building was dilapidated—so why was treatment still being conducted there? Why wasn’t it repaired?” Shah Deo questioned during a press briefing.
The BJP has called for a detailed inquiry into the condition of the hospital building, and its leaders have demanded accountability from the state government. The opposition party has also suggested that the collapse was a result of the state’s failure to maintain public infrastructure properly, especially in a crucial setting like a hospital, where safety should be a top priority.
Hospital’s Condition and History of Neglect
Reports indicate that the building that collapsed had been flagged for its deteriorating condition but had not been renovated or closed for repairs, despite repeated warnings from local authorities. Local residents and some hospital staff members have said that the hospital building had been showing signs of wear and tear for months. The dilapidated state of the structure had been a concern, but due to limited resources, no concrete action was taken to address the issues.
An investigation will likely focus on why the building was still being used for patient treatment when it was clearly not fit for occupancy. Furthermore, questions about the adequacy of maintenance and safety protocols at the hospital are expected to be raised during the inquiry.
Search and Rescue Operations
As of Sunday evening, the search and rescue operations continue, with emergency responders combing through the rubble in hopes of locating any survivors. Rescue teams have reportedly been using heavy machinery to lift debris and ensure that no one is left trapped beneath the wreckage. The ongoing efforts are being closely monitored by the district administration, which is providing all necessary resources to expedite the process.
Public Reaction and Sympathy
The news of the collapse has shaken the local community in Jamshedpur, with many expressing shock and grief over the loss of life. Social media has been flooded with messages of sympathy for the victims’ families, as well as calls for better infrastructure and improved safety standards at public hospitals in the state.
Local residents have also come together to support the affected families, with many offering their condolences and assistance. A memorial service is planned to honor the victims of the collapse, and local authorities have promised to provide support for those affected by the tragedy.
Conclusion
The collapse of the dilapidated building at MGM Hospital in Jamshedpur has raised serious concerns about the state of infrastructure in public healthcare facilities in Jharkhand. While the state government has promised swift action and compensation for the victims, the incident has also highlighted ongoing issues with maintenance and safety in public buildings. As rescue operations continue, the state faces mounting pressure to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated and that accountability is established for the lives lost in this preventable incident.
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