Building on M.G. Road in Kochi tilts following attempt to lift it

KOCHI

In a bizarre incident, a two-storey building tilted onto another multi-storey building next to it after the hydraulic jack used to raise its foundation reportedly got dislodged during renovation work along MG Road in Kochi on Tuesday around 6 p.m.

While the lower portion of the building suffered minor damage, there were no casualties as the building was unoccupied. The foundation-lifting work was being carried out by a Chennai-based private contractor.

It happened when the building was being lifted to raise its foundation to prevent flooding on the ground floor during the monsoon. However, after the structure had been raised, the jack reportedly slipped, and the building leaned against the adjacent structure, which housed several private establishments.

“We have evacuated the occupants and nearby residents. There is no other option but to demolish the tilted building. The engineers concerned are likely to inspect the building and take necessary measures on Wednesday,” said sources at the Club Road fire station.