Under-construction building collapses in Chennai, 25 people rescued

Of the 25 people rescued, three were in serious condition.

Twenty-five people were rescued after an under-construction building collapse in Kandanchavadi on the outskirts of Chennai, on Saturday, police said.

The scaffolding of the building is suspected to have given away due to weight and trapped some labourers after it collapsed, police said. (HT Photo)

The scaffolding of the four-story building is suspected to have given away due to weight and trapped some labourers under the debris, officials said.

Fire service and rescue personnel were rushed to the spot immediately.

About 25 people were rescued from the debris by 10 pm , fire service and rescue personnel said. The rescued people, of whom three were in serious condition, were sent to Royappettah Government Hospital for treatment.

Rescue operations were on to ascertain if more persons were trapped in the debris, a police official said.

“The incident took place around 6.50pm. It is a construction spot near a private hospital. When the workers had completed their work and were waiting for their salary, a portion of the building crumbled down,”said a rescue officer.

Nearly 100 rescue personnel have been deployed at the spot, an officer heading the rescue operations said.

“We heard a heavy sound around 6.50pm. When we came out, a portion of the four-storey building had collapsed. Two houses were also partially damaged,” Kumar said.

Eight ambulances and five fire tenders are at the spot of the building collapse.