Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (Monday, March 23, 2026): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the cold storage collapse in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, where at least four people died and several others were injured. In a statement posted on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressed condolences over the tragedy.
“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. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000: PM,” PMO wrote on X,
The incident occurred at a cold storage facility in the Phaphamau area on Monday, when a portion of the structure suddenly caved in, trapping workers under the debris. 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.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed condolences over the loss of lives. In a statement, he described the incident as “extremely tragic” and extended sympathies to the bereaved families.
He directed officials to provide immediate financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of those who died and to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
“I pray for the peace of the departed souls and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the chief minister said.