A three-storey building collapsed in Kerala’s Palakkad on Thursday. Unidentified officials said seven people were rescued while several are feared trapped under the debris.
Ambulances, rescue teams of state and national disaster response forces, the police and fire and emergency services personnel have been sent to the spot. The personnel are using cranes to clear the debris.
The injured are being treated at a government hospital. Palakkad MP B Rajesh said the priority was to rescue the people trapped under the debris. Culture Minister AK Balan said he had ordered the district collector to supervise the rescue operations, Manorama Online reported.
The building, located near the municipal bus stand, housed restaurants and several stores. A preliminary investigation indicated that the building was old and was under renovation at the time of the incident, The News Minute reported. Repair work on an arterial support beam led to the collapse, according to Manorama Online.
More details are awaited.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!