Nine killed after gas leak triggers wall collapse at Prayagraj cold storage

At least nine workers were killed after an ammonia gas leak triggered a wall collapse at a cold storage facility in the Phaphamau area of Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj on Monday. 

Moments before a portion of the building collapsed, a gas pipeline burst, causing a leak and a loud explosion-like sound. Several workers present at the site were trapped under the debris.

Locals reported that around 20 workers were inside the facility at the time of the accident. Many were reportedly resting after lunch when the wall suddenly gave way, leaving little time to escape.

Officials said the leakage of ammonia gas worsened the situation, causing panic in the surrounding area. Emergency response teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations, deploying heavy machinery to clear the rubble.

So far, nine bodies have been recovered, while several injured persons have been admitted to Swaroop Rani Hospital for treatment. Authorities said the condition of some of the injured remains critical.

Senior officials, including the Police Commissioner and District Magistrate, reached the site to oversee rescue efforts.

Tensions flared briefly at the scene, with reports of stone-pelting at an ambulance and a verbal altercation involving police personnel amid the chaos.

An eyewitness reportedly said the collapse occurred suddenly. “After lunch, when workers were resting, the wall came down without warning. Many could not get out in time,” he said.

The cause of the pipeline failure is under investigation, officials added.