Surat: Multi floor building housing textile workers collapses

A 6-storey building in Krishnanagar, Sachin GIDC area of Surat where textile workers were staying with their families collapsed Saturday afternoon

Surat (Gujarat): A 6-storey building in Krishnanagar, Sachin GIDC area of Surat where textile workers were staying with their families collapsed Saturday afternoon.

Eyewitnesses said the building collapsed like a house of card leaving the residents trapped under the debris.

At least 15 people trapped in the collapsed building were rescued and rushed to hospital for treatment. Many more are still reported to be under the debris.

The fire and police team have reached the incident spot and rescue operation is underway.

The exact cause of the building collapse is yet to be ascertained. However, local police blamed the rains and bad weather.

"Recent rains have caused dilapidated buildings and trees to collapse in Surat. A six-story building in Sachin Pali village collapsed, injuring about 15 people who have been taken for treatment. Rescue operations are ongoing. Fire brigade and police officers are on-site", Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot told media.

Gehlot, who arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue operation, confirmed that the voices of trapped persons were heard at the beginning of the rescue efforts.

"When rescue work started, we heard voices of those who were trapped inside. We rescued a woman alive from the rubble and sent her to the hospital. We suspect that nearly five people are still trapped inside," he said.

The building was built barely 8 years ago. The officials, said although not much old, the building was dilapidated, and most flats were vacant.

A probe to look into what led to the collapse of the building has been announced.

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