Toll in Pune waste-to-energy plant collapse climbs to 8, 1 worker still missing

A portion of a waste-to-energy plant building in Moshi collapsed, trapping 23 workers under debris and waste. The rescue has stretched beyond 72 hours as unstable sections and heavy waste loads raise the risk of another collapse.

In Short

• One worker still missing after nearly three days
• Rescue teams face challenges due to massive waste pressure
• Authorities dismantling unstable sections cautiously

The death toll in the Pune waste-to-energy plant building collapse has risen to eight, with rescue teams continuing an intensive search for one worker who remains missing nearly three days after the accident in Maharashtra's Moshi area.

The incident occurred on July 8 at a waste-to-energy facility in Moshi, under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), when a portion of the building collapsed while employees were inside. A total of 23 workers were trapped beneath the debris and waste material following the collapse.

According to officials, 14 workers were rescued alive during the initial phase of the operation. One more worker was pulled out on Friday morning in a critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries, taking the death toll to eight. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to trace the remaining missing worker.

The operation, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Indian Army, the Fire Brigade and other emergency agencies, has continued uninterrupted for more than 72 hours. Officials said the rescue has been particularly challenging because of the massive volume of waste piled over the damaged structure and the risk of a secondary collapse.

CORPORATION COMMISSIONER EXPLAINS THE COLLAPSE

Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Commissioner VN Suryawanshi said nearly 10 lakh metric tonnes of waste had exerted enormous pressure on the building, making rescue operations extremely hazardous.

He said teams were first focused on removing the accumulated waste and stabilising the structure before sending rescuers deeper into the collapsed portion of the building. According to the commissioner, engineers have been working to dismantle unstable sections in a controlled manner to minimise the risk to rescue personnel.

"The rescue teams feel that any wrong movement while entering the building could trigger another collapse. Therefore, the unstable portion is being removed first so that the structure settles before operations are intensified," Suryawanshi said.

Heavy machinery, cranes and specialised rescue equipment have been deployed at the site, while teams continue to scan the debris for signs of the missing worker.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the collapse. A detailed investigation is expected after the rescue operation concludes to determine whether structural failure, the pressure of accumulated waste or any safety lapses contributed to the accident.

Rescue efforts remain underway as officials race against time to locate the last missing worker.

- Ends
With ANI inputs