Maharani’s College building collapse in Mysuru: Worker trapped in debris found dead

Rescue workers at Maharani’s science college in Mysuru. A portion of the college building collapsed on January 28, 2025.
| Photo Credit: SRIRAM MA

Construction worker Saddam, who was trapped in the debris of the Maharani’s Science College building, which collapsed on January 28 evening, was found dead in the morning on January 29.

A portion of the 108-year-old building collapsed when preparations were underway for its demolition after removing the window frames and other material from the structure.

Though 13 workers, who were at the site when the building collapsed, managed to escape, Saddam (32) from Ghousia Nagar in Mysuru, was trapped in the debris. Authorities had immediately launched a search and rescue operation.

Fire and emergency service personnel, who were assisted by the police and the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) staff, worked non-stop to rescue the trapped worker but his body was retrieved in the early hours of January 29.

Deputy Commissioner G. Laskhmikanth Reddy confirmed the death of Saddam. His body was recovered around 1 a.m. Lakshmipuram police said the body has been shifted to the K.R.Hospital mortuary. A case has been registered.

A portion of the building housing the science laboratory had collapsed in October 2022 after which the section was out of bounds for students and staff, and was barricaded.

 The government of Karnataka had earmarked funds for reconstruction of the building, and the work order was issued recently. The contractor had deployed his personnel only a few days ago. Preparations were underway for razing the remaining standing structure when the tragedy occurred.