5-storey building develops cracks in Lucknow; no injury reported

Lucknow, Sep 29 (PTI) A five-storey building in Lucknow’s Baaroodkhana Golaganj area developed cracks in around two to three pillars on the ground floor on Monday, prompting officials to evacuate the premises, officials said.

However, there were no casualties or injuries, District Magistrate of Lucknow Visakh G told PTI.

While the exact reason for the cracks was not immediately known, Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) officials said the recent spate of incessant rains may have triggered them.

The incident took place in SA Apartment, a five-storeyed building.

“There were cracks in two to three pillars in the ground parking lot of the SA Apartments. Efforts are on to strengthen the damaged pillars. Jacks have been put in place. Whether the building

survives or not remains to be seen,” LDA Secretary SP Singh told PTI.

He added that teams from the PWD, Lucknow Municipal Corporation and the Lucknow Development Authority are working at the spot.

“Efforts were also made to help residents leave the building with their precious and important things,” Singh said, and added that the cracks had developed earlier, and information about them came to light on Monday.

Speaking on the building, the DM said, “The apartment was built in 2010, and 24 families were living in it. There have been no casualties nor any injury to the residents of the apartment.” Photos circulating on social media showed a damaged pillar adjacent to a gate in the apartment. PTI NAV SHS