Khandwa, April 3 (IANS) A tragic accident occurred in the Teen Pulia area of Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh when a dilapidated old railway building suddenly collapsed during scrap extraction work, killing one railway employee on the spot and critically injuring another.​

The incident occurred while a team of railway workers was dismantling and removing scrap from the abandoned structure. Without warning, a large section of the building collapsed, trapping the workers under heavy debris.​

Local residents and fellow employees immediately launched rescue operations. With the help of a JCB machine, they cleared the rubble and pulled out the trapped workers. ​

However, Shashikant, a Master Craftsman posted with the Railways, had already succumbed to his injuries by the time he was rescued.​

Another assistant employee, Virendra, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.​

Senior police officials and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) reached the spot soon after receiving information. Kotwali police have registered a case and initiated a detailed inquiry into the circumstances leading to the collapse.​

Speaking to reporters, the in-charge of Khandwa Kotwali Police Station said they are investigating whether proper safety protocols were followed before starting scrap removal work on such an old and unstable structure. ​

“The building was clearly in a dilapidated condition, and questions are being raised about why adequate precautions were not taken,” he said.​

A senior railway official, requesting anonymity, commented that old railway structures often pose hidden risks. ​

“We will conduct a thorough structural safety audit of similar buildings across the division. The priority right now is to ensure proper medical care for the injured and to support the family of the deceased employee,” he said.​

The Railway Department and district administration have formed a joint team to investigate the exact cause of the collapse. ​

Officials have assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of negligence.​

–IANS

sktr/dan