Tragedy Strikes Kotma: Building Collapse Claims Three Lives
Building Collapse in Kotma Town
Kotma: The unfortunate building collapse in Kotma, located in Madhya Pradesh's Anuppur district, has resulted in three fatalities, with the latest victim, a woman, being recovered from the rubble on Sunday.
The identity of the deceased woman has not yet been confirmed. The incident took place between 5:30 and 5:50 p.m. on Saturday when the four-storey Agarwal Lodge, which was about a decade old, unexpectedly fell near the bus stand in Kotma, approximately 600 kilometers from Bhopal.
Witnesses described hearing a loud noise resembling an explosion, followed by a cloud of dust. Initial reports indicated that two bodies of relatives had already been retrieved from the debris.
Rescue operations have been ongoing for over 18 hours, involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and district officials, utilizing cranes and heavy machinery. So far, five individuals have been rescued from the site; three have succumbed to their injuries, while the other two are currently receiving medical care.
There are concerns that additional victims may still be trapped under the debris, with estimates varying from six to ten individuals.
Local residents have pointed to a 12-foot-deep pit at a nearby construction site, which is believed to have compromised the lodge's foundation due to water accumulation.
Authorities have indicated that the construction activities in the vicinity might have played a role in the collapse.
Madhya Pradesh Minister Dilip Ahirwar remarked, "This is a very tragic incident... The Chief Minister has instructed the administration and me to be present at the scene. The entire administration is mobilized here, and rescue operations are ongoing... A thorough investigation will be conducted into the incident."
District Magistrate Harshal Pancholi and Superintendent of Police Moti-ur-Rehman are actively managing the rescue efforts.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed his sorrow over the incident and has called for immediate rescue operations, with NDRF teams deployed swiftly.
A comprehensive investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the collapse and any potential violations of construction or safety regulations.
The incident has caused significant alarm in the bustling area near the bus stand, where both passengers and locals were present at the time. Rescue teams continue their search for any remaining survivors.