Building collapse kills man

AHMEDABAD: A three-storey building in Mandvi ni Pol, Khadia, collapsed on Friday afternoon, killing a two-wheeler rider. Four parked vehicles were also damaged in the incident. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)'s estate department later brought down the dilapidated structure.
Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) officials said that the collapse had occurred at 12.25 pm on Friday."It was a three-storey building, more than 100 years old, owned by an NRI. It remained vacant for quite many years. It was already in a dilapidated condition which worsened due to recent rains. Part of its gallery and third floor collapsed on the road in the afternoon. A commuter passing under the building was badly hit by the falling debris," said an AFES official.
Police identified the deceased as Mukesh Chavda, 35, a resident of Khadia. Chavda, who sustained severe head injuries, died later in the hospital. The damaged vehicles in the incident included three two-wheelers and a car.
"A team of AFES officials rushed to the spot and removed the debris of the collapsed building. We informed the estate department which brought down the dangerous portion of the structure. A notice will also be served to the building's owners. AMC is checking whether the building was declared dangerous earlier," said Rajesh Bhatt, additional chief fire officer.
AFES officials said it was a second such incident in the past fortnight in the walled city. Earlier, part of a four-storey building collapsed in Raipur where a 13-year-old girl died and six others were injured.Rains spur fear of more collapses
A survey of buildings' situation in the walled city is due after the monsoon to prevent more building collapse incidents, said AFES officials. "There are a number of constructions not occupied by people and thus are not subject to any regular maintenance. As the old houses are made of wood, rains dampen them and if proper care is not taken, they collapse. The recent collapses are testimony to the fact that mostly unoccupied constructions are prone to more damages," said an AFES official.