Cold Storage Collapse in Prayagraj Kills 4, Injures 12

In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, a cold storage facility collapsed on Monday afternoon, killing four labourers and injuring 12 others who were trapped under the debris, officials said. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. in the Phaphamau area, along the Prayagraj-Lucknow highway in Chandapur village, prompting a swift emergency response amid reports of an ammonia gas leak.

The structure, a private cold storage unit owned by local businessman Ansar Ahmad, caved in suddenly with a loud blast, according to witnesses and authorities. Labourers, many from Bihar, were engaged in loading and unloading potatoes at the time, with some eating nearby when the wall or roof failed. The collapse triggered panic as ammonia gas, used for refrigeration, began leaking from the facility. Fire brigade teams arrived promptly to contain the gas and secure the site, while the presence of fumes complicated initial rescue efforts.

Rescue operations were launched immediately by teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, police, and fire services. Officials, including District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma and Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar, oversaw the efforts at the...