A tragic building collapse in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh, has claimed at least three lives, while several people are still feared trapped under debris. The incident occurred near the busy Kotma bus stand, prompting an urgent rescue operation led by multiple agencies.
Incident Details
According to officials, the four-storey Agrawal lodge collapsed on Saturday evening around 5:30 PM. The sudden cave-in was captured on CCTV, showing the structure tilting before collapsing entirely within seconds, sending dust and debris across the area.
Authorities estimate that 10 to 12 individuals, including labourers and occupants, were inside the building at the time of the incident.
Casualties Confirmed
So far, three fatalities have been reported. Two victims have been identified as:
- Hanuman Deen Yadav (55)
- Ramkripal Yadav (50)
Officials have stated that the identification of the third victim is underway, while rescue teams continue to search for survivors.
Possible Cause of Collapse
Preliminary findings suggest that nearby excavation work for the construction of an adjacent building may have weakened the foundation of the lodge, leading to the collapse. Authorities have assured a detailed investigation into the matter.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue efforts began immediately after the collapse and continued overnight. Teams involved include:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- State Disaster and Emergency Relief Force (SDERF)
- Local police and administrative staff
Over 100 personnel are actively engaged in clearing debris and locating survivors.
Officials Monitor Situation
Senior officials, including district authorities and state ministers, visited the site to oversee operations. The administration has emphasized that saving lives remains the top priority, with medical support arranged for the injured.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise moments before the collapse, followed by a thick cloud of dust engulfing the area. The location, being close to a bus stand, was crowded at the time, raising concerns about potential additional casualties.
Government Response
State officials have assured that accountability will be fixed once the investigation is complete. They also reiterated the importance of enforcing building safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
