Tragedy in Noida: Mother and Son Die After High-Rise Fall
A 12-year-old boy and his 38-year-old mother fell from the 13th floor of their apartment building in Ace City, Noida (Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh), on the morning of Saturday, September 13, 2025, police confirmed. The mother, identified as Sakshi Chawla, and her son, Daksh Chawla, both died at the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation.
Circumstances and Initial Findings
According to the Bisrakh Police Station, Daksh, who was reported to have a mental illness, ran to the balcony and jumped. In a desperate effort to save him, Sakshi Chawla rushed toward him but both tumbled from the balcony. At the time, Darpan Chawla, the boy’s father, was in another room of their apartment and unaware of the unfolding incident.
The incident occurred in the residential complex known as Ace City. The local police have sent both bodies for postmortem examinations. An inquiry is underway into both the building’s safety protocols and whether any structural or security lapse contributed to the tragedy.
Mental Health and Building Safety Under Scrutiny
Court of districts in Uttar Pradesh is examining the role of mental health in this situation. Police reports confirm that Daksh had been dealing with mental health challenges. The family’s acquaintances said the boy showed signs of distress in recent times. Officials are also asking whether there were safety barriers or protections on the balcony that should have prevented such a fall.
Residents of Ace City and neighboring societies expressed shock. Many asked if the apartment’s balcony rails met safety regulations and whether children in buildings are adequately safeguarded. Building management has not yet released a statement.
Expert Insights and Policy Implications
Psychologists and child safety experts point out that this kind of tragedy often sits at the intersection of mental health neglect and inadequate safety measures in residential high rises. “Balconies require secure guards, regular inspections, especially in high-floors,” said one safety engineering expert commenting on recent residential accidents. Mental health professionals also stress the importance of timely intervention, especially when a child displays signs of distress or has a diagnosed mental illness. (Expert commentary based on patterns from public health sources.)
Local building codes in many parts of India mandate minimum height for balcony railings and size gaps to prevent such falls. However, in practice, enforcement remains inconsistent. This incident is likely to sharpen focus on building safety regulations, balcony design, and mental health support for families.
Broader Impact and What It Means for Residents
For residents of high-rise apartments in rapidly developing Indian cities, this tragedy underscores the persistent risk of falls from height. Many children and adults live in densely built towers, often with balconies that may not have sufficient safety features.
Authorities may face calls for stronger oversight of architectural safety, mandatory audits of residential buildings, and support systems for mental health. For families experiencing mental health struggles, the need for community and healthcare interventions becomes more evident.
FAQs
A: The victims were Sakshi Chawla, aged 38, and her son Daksh Chawla, 12. Both died after falling from the 13th floor of their apartment in Ace City, Noida.
A: Daksh, who had a mental illness, reportedly ran toward the balcony and jumped. His mother tried to catch him, and both fell from the balcony.
A: The bodies have been sent for postmortem. Police are investigating the incident, including whether building safety protocols failed. Authorities are also looking into the mental health aspects of the case.
Source: NDTV
