The death toll in the apartment building collapse in Madhya Pradesh state has risen to three, officials said on Sunday, as rescue teams continued to rummage through the rubble for those still trapped after the four-storey building collapsed near the Kotma bus stand in Anupur. Authorities fear that many workers and hostel occupants will remain trapped under the rubble.
A shocking security camera video, recorded by a camera installed in a building across the street, captured the exact moment the motel collapsed.
The footage shows a natural street scene before the structure suddenly begins to lean forward. Within seconds, the four-story building tilts in a chilling manner and collapses, sending a huge cloud of dust sweeping across the entire area.
Nearby excavations led to the collapse
Preliminary investigations indicate that the collapse of the Agrawal Lodge was caused by excavation work to establish a house adjacent to the lodge. He added: “It is estimated that between 10 and 12 workers were present at that time and were stranded under the rubble.”
The hostel, believed to be around 10 years old, was located near a busy bus stop, which was packed with passengers at the time of the accident.
“The accident occurred on Saturday evening around 5:30 pm. A team of 100 police personnel, along with the state disaster and emergency relief force, are conducting rescue operations,” police inspector Matiur Rahman said.
According to Rahman, two of the deceased have been identified as Hanuman Deen Yadav (55) and Ramkripal Yadav (50), added a PTI report.
The rescue operation continues throughout the night
Rescue efforts have been continuing since Saturday evening, led by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) operation. Authorities said teams worked throughout the night, and the search is still continuing for people feared to be trapped under the rubble.
Minister Dilip Jaiswal and Collector Harshal Pancholi rushed to the site to supervise rescue efforts.
Eyewitnesses, quoted by PTI, reported that they heard a loud explosion-like sound just before the building collapsed, followed by a thick cloud of dust that quickly spread in the immediate area.
State ministers, including Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Dilip Ahirwar and Rural Industries and Villages Minister Dilip Jaiswal, visited the site late on Saturday night along with senior officials to supervise the rescue efforts.
Speaking to reporters, Ahirwar assured that every aspect of the incident will be investigated and action will be taken against those responsible. He added that the government’s immediate priority is to ensure the safe rescue of those trapped and provide appropriate medical treatment to the wounded.
