3 killed as four-storey building collapses in MP, several feared trapped
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Kotma: The death toll in the building collapse in Kotma town of Madhya Pradesh’s Anuppur district rose to three on Sunday after rescue teams recovered the body of a third victim, a woman, from the debris. Her identity is yet to be established.
The incident occurred between 5.30 p.m. and 5.50 p.m. on Saturday, when a four-storey structure, identified as Agarwal Lodge and estimated to be around 10 years old, suddenly collapsed near the Kotma bus stand, about 600 kilometres from Bhopal.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud, explosion-like sound followed by thick clouds of dust as the building came down. Earlier, two bodies, believed to be of relatives, had been recovered from the rubble.
Rescue operations have been underway for over 18 hours, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, local police, and the district administration deployed at the site. Heavy machinery, including cranes, is being used to clear the debris.
So far, at least five people have been pulled out from the rubble. Of them, three have succumbed to their injuries, while the remaining survivors are undergoing treatment.
Several others are still feared trapped, although the exact number remains unclear, with initial estimates suggesting between six and ten individuals.
Local residents have pointed to a 12-foot-deep pit dug at an adjacent construction site on a plot measuring approximately 20 by 50 feet. Water accumulation in the pit is suspected to have weakened the foundation of the lodge. Officials have also indicated that ongoing construction work nearby may have contributed to the collapse.
State Minister Dilip Ahirwar termed the incident “very tragic” and said that the Chief Minister had directed both him and the administration to remain present at the site. He added that a detailed investigation would be conducted.
District Magistrate Harshal Pancholi and Superintendent of Police Moti-ur-Rehman are supervising the rescue efforts on the ground.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and ordered immediate rescue operations, ensuring swift deployment of NDRF teams.
A detailed probe has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the collapse and to examine any lapses in construction practices or safety norms.
The incident has triggered panic in the busy area near the bus stand, which was crowded with passengers and locals at the time. Rescue teams continue to search the debris for any remaining survivors.
With IANS inputs