Prayagraj Cold Storage Collapse: At least four people were killed and 12 others injured after a portion of a cold storage facility collapsed in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj district on Monday, March 23, 2026, according to the media reports. The collapse triggered an ammonia gas leak and a major emergency response. Police, fire services, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed for rescue and relief operations. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue teams continued operations at the site amid fears that more workers could be trapped under the debris.
District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said efforts were underway to identify the victims and compile a list of those affected. “Relief and rescue work are underway. The situation will become clearer in the next few days as to how many people are injured and how many have escaped safely. We are preparing a list of all of them. A magisterial inquiry will be conducted to investigate this,” he said as quoted by ANI.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He also directed officials to ensure proper medical care for those hospitalised.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident. In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office said he was “deeply saddened by the mishap” and extended condolences to the affected families. He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.