Chennai: In an unfortunate incident, an under-construction building collapsed near Chennai's Mangadu due to heavy rains in the area.
Five people have died in the accident and as many as 45 others are believed to be trapped. Rescue teams have managed to pull 11 people out of the debris.
"NDRF team is here. We have rescued 8 labourers so far, 1 had died. We have clear information that right hand side of the debris 6 labourers are trapped. We suspect 45 people are still trapped," said S George, Police Commissioner.
Medical supplies too have been stationed at the spot to attend to emergency cases. "We are all stationed here and we will stabilise the patients, there are ambulances from all hospitals stationed here. Around 15 ambulances are here plus other to send them to hospital. So there is no dearth of medical aid so that they can be lifted out and be given whatever medial aid," said Dr Geetha Lakshmi, Director of Medical Education, state government.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has promised action against the builders. She said, "I am shocked about the collapse of the building. I have instructed all the top officials to reach the spot. 12 fire engines and 12 ambulances have been rushed to the spot. Taken help of NDRF. Metro rail, highways and PWD departments will coordinate."
"11 floors seem to have been completed so far. The building collapsed suddenly according to statement of eyewitnesses," Fire and Rescue Services Joint Director S Vijayasekar told PTI.
One worker has been rescued, he said adding ambulances, doctors and paramedical personnel were on the spot.
Twelve fire tenders and 100 personnel were involved in the rescue work, he said.
The incident occurred at Moulivakkam near Porur in the western suburb, about 20 km from Chennai, as rains lashed the area and several other parts of the city on Saturday evening.
Asked if rains could also have been a factor in the collapse of the building, the official said "it does not seem to be due to the rains..we have to see."
On the number of trapped workers, he said "it is not possible to categorically comment on it..eyewitnesses say that there were about 50 construction workers at the time of the
collapse."
(With inputs from PTI)
Comments
0 comment