Four killed as cold storage building collapses after ammonia chamber blast in Prayagraj
On 23 March 2026 part of Adarsh Cold Storage in Phaphamau, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) collapsed after an explosion in its ammonia gas chamber, killing four workers; the PM announced ₹2 lakh ex gratia from PMNRF for each deceased's family.
Summary
Part of the Adarsh Cold Storage facility in Chandapur, under Phaphamau police station in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, collapsed on the afternoon of 23 March 2026, trapping workers under the debris. Police said four workers died and 12 to 14 were injured; a police complaint attributed the collapse to an explosion in the ammonia gas chamber used for cooling, and an ammonia leak followed. NDRF, SDRF, fire and municipal teams carried out rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured; Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced ₹2 lakh each. The owner and two others were later arrested.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 23 March 2026 – Adarsh Cold Storage, Chandapur, Phaphamau, Prayagraj (UP)
- Deaths
- Four workers; 12-14 injured
- Cause (police complaint)
- Explosion in ammonia gas chamber; ammonia leak followed
- Rescue
- NDRF, SDRF, fire brigade, municipal teams
- PM ex gratia
- ₹2 lakh per deceased (PMNRF); ₹50,000 per injured
- State aid
- ₹2 lakh per deceased (CM Yogi Adityanath)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The cold storage collapse of 23 March 2026, in which four workers died, took place in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Prayagraj
Part of Adarsh Cold Storage in Phaphamau, Prayagraj (UP) collapsed after an explosion in its ammonia gas chamber.
After the Prayagraj cold storage collapse (March 2026), the Prime Minister announced ex gratia from PMNRF of:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹2 lakh per deceased and ₹50,000 per injured
The PM announced ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for each deceased's next of kin and ₹50,000 for the injured.