Cold storage unit collapse in Prayagraj, 4 labourers die : Ammonia leak from facility triggers panic

PTI, March 23, 2026, Prayagraj: Four labourers were killed, and 12 were injured after being trapped under the debris following the collapse of a cold storage facility on Monday afternoon here, an official said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident and have announced financial assistance to the injured and ex-gratia for the kin of the deceased. District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma told news agency PTI: "12 labourers were injured in the incident and are receiving treatment at SRN Hospital. Four labourers died."

Verma said that teams from the district administration, police, SDRF, and the fire brigade are engaged in relief and rescue operations, working to clear the debris from the site and search for any trapped individuals. DCP (Ganga Nagar) Kuldeep Gunawat said that the cold storage facility, located in the Phaphamau police station area, suddenly crumbled and collapsed this afternoon.

The incident triggered panic in the area as ammonia gas began leaking from the facility. He said that fire brigade teams are also active at the scene, working to contain the gas leak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced Rs 50,000 for the injured and an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased. In the post, he said: "Deeply saddened by the mishap due to the collapse of a building in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families in this difficult hour. May those injured recover at the earliest".

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a post on X in Hindi, said: "The loss of life resulting from the accident at the cold storage facility in the Prayagraj district is deeply tragic and heart-wrenching. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families."