Kondapur building collapse: Under-construction seven-storey structure tilts onto neighbour, one injured

An under-construction seven-storey building collapsed at Anjaiah Nagar in Kondapur on Saturday afternoon, triggering panic in the area and prompting a joint search operation by fire and police teams to check for anyone trapped under the debris. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., according to local residents.

The building, reportedly being constructed on a narrow 50-square-yard plot adjacent to a drain, suddenly gave way and tilted towards a neighbouring apartment complex in the Whitefields area. The impact caused partial damage to the adjoining structure, forcing residents to evacuate.

One resident of the neighbouring building, identified as Ramana Reddy, sustained injuries in the collapse. He was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition is stated to be stable, according to initial reports.

The collapse also caused panic among occupants of a nearby hostel, who fled the premises following the incident. Emergency services, including teams from the fire department and Madhapur police, reached the spot soon after being alerted. They cordoned off the area and began clearing debris to ensure no one was trapped.

Madhapur police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances leading to the collapse. Officials said the exact cause is yet to be determined, though factors such as soil condition, structural load, and quality of construction materials will be examined. The building was in its final stages of construction, with finishing work reportedly underway.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about building safety in and around Hyderabad, particularly in areas where high-rise structures are being raised on small plots. Residents of the locality expressed fears about the stability of similar constructions nearby. Some pointed out that the drain adjacent to the plot may have weakened the soil over time, but no official confirmation is available.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and have assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted. They also said an engineering team will assess the structural integrity of the neighbouring buildings that may have been affected. Further details, including the extent of damage and any action against the builder, are expected once the inquiry progresses.

Tragic incidents of building collapses have been reported in various parts of the country, often linked to poor construction practices, use of substandard materials, or lack of adherence to safety norms. In this case, the quick response of the fire and police teams helped prevent a more severe outcome, officials said.

The area around Anjaiah Nagar and Whitefields has seen rapid real estate development in recent years, with many multi-storey structures coming up in close proximity. This incident is likely to reignite the debate over enforcement of building regulations and the need for rigorous inspections at every stage of construction.

Meanwhile, the injured resident, Ramana Reddy, is receiving medical care, and authorities have assured all possible assistance to him and his family. The search operation was called off after no other persons were found trapped, police said.

As the investigation continues, officials are expected to examine the construction approvals, soil test reports, and the building plan to ascertain whether due process was followed. The findings will determine if there was any negligence on the part of the builder or contractor.