Four dead, several trapped as Prayagraj cold storage collapses, ammonia leak slows rescue

AAt least four people were killed and several others injured on Monday afternoon when a 27-year-old cold storage facility in the Phaphamau area of Prayagraj collapsed following a loud blast , triggering a hazardous ammonia gas leak that severely hampered rescue operations, officials said.

The cold storage, which belonged to former Samajwadi Party minister Ansar Ahmed , suddenly gave way when its roof caved in following the blast, burying workers under the debris. A number of workers were present on the premises at the time of the incident, with reports indicating that around 20 people were trapped under the rubble. Many of the workers were migrants from Bihar.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Gunawat confirmed that all trapped workers had been rescued and taken to hospital. Joint teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) led the rescue operations, pulling survivors from the debris as efforts continued well into the evening. At least 12 people were confirmed to be receiving treatment at hospital at the time of reporting.

The ammonia gas leak made rescue efforts considerably more difficult, with workers and emergency responders reporting breathing issues at the site. The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that water was sprayed at the site to mitigate the ammonia gas, while the fire brigade worked to fully contain the leak. Local police and district administration personnel cordoned off the area, and residents in nearby localities were advised to stay clear until the situation was stabilized.

The collapse also disrupted traffic on the Prayagraj–Lucknow highway , causing a prolonged jam, with a large police contingent deployed to manage and divert vehicles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, with the PMO stating that his thoughts were with the affected families. He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the families of each deceased, and ₹50,000 for each of the injured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also announced matching financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, directing authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for all those affected.

On the investigation front, a committee under the Additional District Magistrate (Finance) has been formed to determine the exact cause of the blast and collapse, with a report expected within 24 to 48 hours . The District Magistrate confirmed that the precise cause would only be established after a thorough inquiry.