Rescue Operation for 7 Missing After Garbage Dump Collapse Near Pune
A rescue operation is ongoing in Pimpri Chinchwad near Pune, where a mound of legacy waste collapsed onto a building on Wednesday. Of the 18 people trapped, nine have been rescued, one has been confirmed dead, and another body has been spotted but is yet to be recovered. Seven individuals remain missing, and rescue teams are working against the clock.
The incident occurred around 1:30 pm amid heavy rain in the area. The building, which houses the administrative office of a waste-to-energy project, was occupied by 23 people at the time. Five managed to escape, but the rest were trapped beneath the debris.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been leading the rescue efforts for nearly two days. Officials stated that the collapse created a precarious situation: one part of the building collapsed, while another lifted off the ground. Rescue teams have created a duct to access the trapped individuals. NDRF personnel are handling the rubble carefully, using both manual and mechanical methods. 'That is why we were successful in rescuing nine persons,' an NDRF official said.
The waste-to-energy project is operated under an agreement between the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and Antony Lara Renewable Energy Ltd. The mound contained 'legacy waste'—untreated solid waste and industrial byproducts accumulated over time. City Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni attributed the collapse to heavy rainfall, which loosened the compacted waste. He stated that the building was constructed at least 30 metres from the mound and that safety measures had been taken. 'We never thought the hardened stuff would loosen this way,' he said. When asked why a retaining wall was not built, Kulkarni said the building was at a safe distance, and such a measure was not considered necessary.
Relatives of the missing have expressed anger and grief. Santosh Kumbhar, whose relative Mahesh remains trapped, criticised the civic body for allowing the building to be so close to the garbage mound. Mahesh, a human resources professional, had been married less than a month ago. Santosh said no official had met him or provided updates beyond an initial phone call. Municipal Commissioner Vijay Suryavanshi was seen reassuring families that all efforts are being made to rescue their loved ones.
