Ahmedabad, January 29, 2026 — A devastating incident occurred in the historic Ghee Kanta area of Ahmedabad, where a century-old building in Navtadni Pol suddenly collapsed, trapping three people under the debris and claiming the life of an elderly woman.
The dilapidated structure gave way while drainage line work was being carried out nearby by the municipal corporation. Experts believe the vibrations and digging from the construction activity destabilized the already fragile building, causing it to collapse suddenly like a house of cards.
Three individuals—including a senior citizen and laborers—were buried under the rubble. Emergency response teams, including police, fire brigade, and municipal estate department officials, arrived quickly and launched an intensive rescue operation. Despite tireless efforts, one victim, 62-year-old Pushpaben Panchal, succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment at Civil Hospital.
Local MLA Kaushik Jain visited the site and confirmed that many buildings in the pol are approximately 100 years old and in poor condition. He pointed out that the ongoing drainage excavation work in close proximity was likely a contributing factor to the tragedy.
The collapse has once again highlighted the serious risks posed by aging infrastructure in Ahmedabad’s densely packed old-city neighborhoods. Narrow pol lanes, heritage structures, and frequent civic works involving heavy machinery have long raised safety concerns among residents and experts.
Rescue personnel faced extremely difficult conditions amid piles of debris blocking the narrow streets, creating a chaotic and frightening scene. The other two individuals trapped were eventually pulled out alive, though further details about their condition were not immediately available.
This tragic event underscores the pressing need for comprehensive structural safety audits, timely repairs, and rehabilitation of old pol buildings across Gujarat’s urban areas. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause, with particular focus on the role played by the nearby drainage project.
Authorities are urging residents living in similar heritage neighborhoods to stay alert and immediately report any visible signs of structural weakness or damage. Vigilance and proactive maintenance can help prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.