Visakhapatnam building collapse: 3 fatalities - 2 children among them

A three-story building collapsed in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Thursday, 23 March 2023. Specifically, the incident occurred at 1.30 am and eight residents, members of three different families, were all trapped under the rubble. Three people, including two children, were dead while five more were saved and taken to the hospital.

The neighbor had dug up the land next to the collapsed building for constructing a foundation, and this may have affected the building's foundation, according to police commissioner Ch Shrikanth. According to Maharanipet Police, they will work with the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) to investigate what caused the building to fall and take the necessary legal actions.

GVMC Commissioner P Rajababu told reporters that the structure was at least 40 years old while it was devoid of pillars to support the concrete top. Furthermore, the load-bearing capacity may have been affected by the recent days of nonstop rain, resulting in a sudden collapse. Any vibrations from neighboring construction should also be investigated.

He claims that notices are being sent to owners of abandoned structures instructing them to either demolish the structure themselves or vacate. According to Rajababu, it is a continuous procedure, and owners who disobey orders will face consequences.