The death toll in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) waste-to-energy plant collapse in Pune’s Moshi area rose to two on Saturday after rescue teams recovered another body from the debris, while efforts to locate and rescue seven people still trapped entered the fourth day.
Officials identified the deceased as Akshay Sawant.
The accident occurred on Wednesday when a three-storey administrative building at the PCMC-operated Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant collapsed after a massive heap of garbage crashed onto the structure, trapping around 18 people inside.
Rescue agencies have been carrying out round-the-clock operations since the incident to locate those trapped beneath the rubble.
Rescue operation continues with heavy machinery
According to officials, seven people were rescued within hours of the collapse, while two more were pulled out after midnight on Wednesday.
The first body was recovered on Thursday morning. With the recovery of the second body on Saturday, the death toll has increased to two.
Rescue operations are being led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) with support from the local administration, fire brigade and other emergency agencies.
Around 15 excavators, including specialised demolition machines, are being used to remove debris and access areas where victims are believed to be trapped.
Rescue teams detect signs of trapped victims
Officials said rescue personnel have identified signs of people trapped beneath the collapsed structure and are proceeding cautiously to avoid further risks.
“Three people were seen trapped inside (the collapsed building) by the rescue teams. We are trying to pull them out of the debris. Action will be taken against those who are found guilty. First, it’s important to rescue all who are still trapped,” Pimpri Chinchwad Mayor Ravi Landge told reporters.
Authorities said the priority remains rescuing those still trapped before a detailed inquiry into the incident is completed.
Families question pace of rescue efforts
As the rescue operation entered its fourth day, relatives of those still trapped expressed concern over the pace of the search efforts and urged authorities to intensify the operation.
Officials said challenging conditions, including the unstable debris and the volume of collapsed material, have made rescue operations difficult and time-consuming.
Despite these challenges, emergency teams continue to work around the clock using heavy machinery and specialised equipment to search for survivors.
Probe to follow completion of rescue operation
The collapse occurred after a large mound of garbage reportedly fell onto the administrative building, causing the three-storey structure to give way.
Authorities have said action will be taken against those found responsible after the rescue operation concludes and the cause of the collapse is thoroughly investigated.
The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at waste processing facilities, with the administration expected to conduct a detailed inquiry once rescue operations are completed.
(With inputs from PTI)
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