SP Leader Detained After 4 Die In Prayagraj Cold Storage Tragedy

New Delhi: In a major update in Prayagraj cold storage tragedy where four workers were killed and 14 others were critically injured when the building collapsed on Monday afternoon, the police have managed to take former UP minister and Samajwadi Party leader Ansar Ahmad ‘Pehlwaan’ into custody.

As per reports, the cold storage facility is linked to Ahmad. Furthermore, Ahmed’s son, Manzoor Ilahi, and nephew, Alauddin, have also been detained for questioning in connection with the case.

The cops have also registered a case against seven named and five unidentified individuals, including Ansar Ahmed, at the Phaphamau police station.

All the accused are being interrogated, while police teams are searching for other named and unidentified suspects.

What was the case?
At least four people were killed, and 14 others injured after a portion of a cold storage facility collapsed in Prayagraj of Uttar Pradesh on Monday afternoon, triggering an ammonia gas leak and a major emergency response.

Following the incident, the injured people were transferred to nearby hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment.

Furthermore, the rescue operations were still underway at the site, with fears that more people could be trapped under the debris.

Structure suddenly caved in
Senior police officer Kuldeep Gunawat said the structure suddenly caved in, trapping workers under the debris. “All the injured workers have been rescued and admitted to hospital,” he said.

District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said the administration received information about the collapse between 1:30 pm and 2 pm, following which senior officials rushed to the spot and initiated rescue operations.

“12 labourers were injured in the incident and are receiving treatment at SRN Hospital. Four labourers died,” he said.

Overnight rescue operations
Meanwhile, emergency responders, including police, district officials, and fire crews, were conducting rescue operations for over 20 hours.

District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said efforts were being made to locate workers trapped under the debris, with extra manpower deployed at the site.