Damage to load-bearing structure led building to come crashing down in Industrial Area Phase 2 tragedy: Probe

A preliminary inquiry found that damage to a load-bearing wall during renovation caused the collapse of a 50-year-old building in Chandigarh's Industrial Area Phase 2 on July 5, killing two people.

The report by the sub-divisional magistrate (East) and NITTTR concluded that the failure of brick load-bearing walls was the main cause, as RCC beams and slabs were intact.

The collapse started from the front load-bearing wall, leading to a chain reaction that brought down the structure.

The building lacked proper roof and seismic support bands, and had large window openings with thin supporting walls, making it less stable.

No long-term damage like rusting or poor concrete was found; the collapse likely occurred when workers replaced a glass panel, possibly on instructions from Tarun Kaushik, who died in the incident.