Building collapses in India, at least 7 people killed

On July 7, Mr. Babulal Yadav of the Indian Disaster Response Force said that a 5-storey building collapsed on the afternoon of July 6 in Surat city, Gujarat state, trapping at least 4-5 people under the rubble.

Rescue workers work at the site of a collapsed building in Surat, Gujarat, India, July 7. Photo: ANI

The death toll was confirmed by Surat Fire Chief Basant Pareek. "Search operations continued throughout the night. Seven bodies have been recovered," he said.

Rescue operations resumed on July 7 as forces tried to clear the rubble after the collapse, city deputy police chief Rajesh Parmar said, adding that it was still unclear how many people were still trapped.

One woman was rescued from the rubble on July 6, while 15 others were injured when the building collapsed at around 2:45 p.m., officials said.

Rescue teams worked through the night to remove large chunks of concrete that formed a rubble pile at the scene. Rescuers cut through the concrete to reach trapped residents.

It is not yet clear what caused the 30-unit apartment building to collapse. It was built illegally in Sachin Pali village in 2017. Only five apartments were occupied and residents paid 1,200 rupees a month in rent. Although the building was built eight years ago, most of the apartments were vacant and in disrepair, officials said.

"Around five flats were occupied by people, mostly those working in factories in the area. When the rescue operation began, we heard cries for help from those trapped. We rescued a woman from the debris and took her to hospital," Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Gehlot said.

Ngoc Anh (according to CNN, ANI, India Today)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/sap-toa-nha-o-an-do-it-nhat-7-nguoi-thiet-mang-post302549.html