India: 5 fatalities, several injuries as building collapses in Pune

Five people were killed and several others were injured when an under-construction building in Pune, India collapsed late on Thursday night, police officials said. The authorities launched a probe to investigate the reason behind the collapse.

The primary investigation suggested the collapse took place due to a lack of precautionary measures at the site.

“Ten labourers who were working underneath a structure of iron rods got trapped after the structure suddenly collapsed on them,” said Sunil Gilbile, Chief Fire Officer.

 “Five people have died on spot, two are critically injured while three have suffered minor injuries. The primary report suggests that precautionary measures are not in place at this site,” said Rohidas Pawar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Pune Police.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Friday expressing condolences over the deaths of the five workers. “Pained by the mishap at an under-construction building in Pune. Condolences to the bereaved families. I hope that all those injured in this mishap recover at the earliest,” PM Modi tweeted.

The local MLA Sunil Tingre visited the spot to monitor the rescue and relief operation.

“I have come to know that construction on this site goes on for 24 hours continuously. So we have no idea for how long these labourers were working. They must be tired, which might have led to the mishap. Other labourers present here have informed me that the injured belong to Bihar,” he said.