Twin 2000-litre water tanks collapse from 3rd floor of Ahmedabad flat, no casualties reported

Two water tanks with a combined capacity of 2,000 litres on the third floor of Birju Apartments in Ambawadi came crashing down with the roof slab following heavy rain in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

This has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the building.

According to fire department officials, the tanks installed on the roof more than 22 years ago, collapsed during the early hours of the day, plummeting down through the building’s floors. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported as the area was unoccupied at the time.

Upon receiving the emergency alert, the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) immediately rushed to the spot and began rescue and clearance operations. Fire officials cordoned off the area and conducted a thorough check to ensure no residents were trapped or injured in the debris.

A senior fire officer confirmed, “The collapse occurred during rainfall, likely weakening the slab beneath the tanks. We responded promptly, and after verifying that there was no human harm, we began inspecting the safety of the building.”

Initial inspections have revealed that the structural condition of Birju Apartments is severely compromised, and as a precautionary measure, the building has now been sealed.

A civic engineer associated with the site stated, “The building already showed signs of deterioration. The incident has further exposed its vulnerability. Until a detailed structural audit is conducted, it is not safe for residents to occupy the premises.”

Sources revealed that the original cement water tanks installed during the post earthquake rebuilding phase were later replaced with lighter PVC tanks to reduce structural load. Despite this modification, the roof slab on which the tanks were mounted appears to have weakened over time.

A report from the Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s Estate Department is expected soon, which will decide the next course of action, including whether the building will undergo repairs or face demolition. The residents of Birju Apartments have been temporarily relocated as officials assess the damage and safety risks.