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Key Points

A crumbling three-storey building in Ahmedabad’s Shahibaug collapsed, but all 16 residents were safely evacuated. Fire officials confirmed long-standing structural issues, including visible cracks in the makeshift third-floor shed. The incident comes as AMC identified 292 unsafe buildings, with 136 already collapsed or demolished. Authorities now mandate stability certificates for older structures before monsoon season.

Key Points: Ahmedabad Building Collapse Rescues 16 as Monsoon Risks Rise

  • 16 residents rescued from Shahibaug collapse
  • AMC lists 292 unsafe buildings ahead of monsoon
  • Third-floor shed triggered structural failure
  • Heritage structures among 136 demolished dilapidated buildings
2 min read

Portion of dilapidated building collapses in Ahmedabad, 16 rescued

16 evacuated after dilapidated Ahmedabad building collapses, highlighting monsoon dangers as AMC flags 292 unsafe structures citywide.

"“The building was in fragile condition for quite some time. We had also informed the local authorities about its danger.” — Senior Fire Brigade Officer"

Ahmedabad, June 17

A portion of a weak three-storey residential building in Dharmi Society of Shahibaug in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, collapsed on Tuesday, prompting an urgent rescue operation by the Fire and Emergency Services.

Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported, as all residents were successfully evacuated in time. The building, a G+3 structure with a makeshift shed on the third floor, had long shown signs of structural deterioration. According to fire officials, cracks had appeared in the upper sections of the building, particularly the third-floor shed, which eventually gave way, causing the roof and a section of the staircase to collapse.

The impact also led to part of the second floor caving in. Alerted immediately, a team from the Shahpur fire station responded swiftly and evacuated 16 residents, including infants, elderly citizens, and families, to a safe location nearby. “The building was in fragile condition for quite some time. We had also informed the local authorities about its danger,” said a senior officer from the fire brigade.

Officials have since requested the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to inspect the remaining structure and initiate demolition work to prevent further risk, especially with the onset of monsoon rains. Residents living in other ageing buildings across the city have been urged to report structural issues to their respective ward offices without delay.

The 16 people rescued include Kajalben Suthar (23), Memon Shabnam Banu (36), Zaitun Bibi Memon (70), Ashokbhai Verma (45), Hardikbhai Verma (23), Khushi Verma (20), Rinki Verma (41), Rehan Akbar Mower (22), Farhan Akbar Mower (7), Sakina Akbar Mower (30), Memon Mohammad Zaid (16), Muskan Banu Sheikh (25), Sana Sheikh (17), Sama Banu Mustaqeem Sheikh (22), Mustaqeem Sheikh (25), and nine-month-old Mohammad Ayan.

As of early 2025, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had flagged 292 buildings as unsafe, a steep increase from 109 in 2021-22 and 151 in 2022-23. Among these, 237 properties were officially categorised as dilapidated, and distressingly, 136 have either collapsed or been demolished. Historic preservation has also suffered: of 25 heritage-listed structures deemed "dangerously dilapidated", 10 have already collapsed in the past two years, with another five partially demolished.

Ahead of the monsoon, AMC identified 261 additional hazardous buildings, particularly along the Rath Yatra route in Shahpur, Khadia, and Dariapur, and has set up zonal control rooms to receive citizen reports about deteriorating structures. In response, the municipal body has mandated structural stability certificates for all buildings over 15 years old -- a rule now enforced after years of delay

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the Ahmedabad building collapse incident:
R
Rahul P.
Thank God no lives were lost! But this is happening too often in our cities. AMC should conduct mandatory structural audits every 5 years for old buildings. Prevention is better than collapse! 🙏
P
Priya M.
The numbers are shocking - 292 unsafe buildings! Why wait for monsoon to act? Our municipal corporations need better urban planning and faster action. Those poor families must be traumatized even though they're safe now.
A
Amit K.
Kudos to the fire brigade for quick response! But question - why were people still living there if cracks were visible? Sometimes we ignore warnings until disaster strikes. Safety should come first, always.
S
Sunita R.
Heritage buildings collapsing is heartbreaking 💔 We need special funds for their preservation. Our history is literally crumbling before our eyes while we build new malls and apartments.
V
Vikram J.
The real issue is unauthorized constructions and modifications. That makeshift shed on 3rd floor was probably illegal. AMC must crack down on these violations strictly. Jai Hind!
N
Neha T.
While AMC is responsible, we citizens must also be proactive. If you see cracks in your building, don't wait for authorities - move out temporarily at least. No rent is worth risking lives, especially with monsoons coming.

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