Building collapses in Bengaluru, at least 3 killed, many trapped

A five-storey under construction building in Bengaluru collapsed on Thursday afternoon reportedly killing at least four workers.

Bengaluru: A five-storey under construction building in Bengaluru collapsed on Thursday afternoon reportedly killing at least three workers and trapping many others. The incident occurred at Sarjapur road in Kasuvanahalli area of Karnataka capital.

The injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital.

Police said the under-construction building at Kasavanahalli suddenly collapsed about 3.30 pm on Thursday.

Fire brigade and police personnel, who were informed, launched rescue operations assisted by local people. Two labourers were found dead under the debris while one of the rescued succumbed to injuries in hospital, Bengaluru Mayor R Sampath Raj said, as per PTI.

Deputy commissioner of police of Whitefield division, Abdul Ahad said the building belonged to one Rafique from HSR Layout.

"We are gathering more information.It was developed to accommodate paying guests but later the owner tried to convert it into a commercial building," he said.

The construction had started six years ago but was stopped midway. Six months ago, the construction began, the deputy commissioner said.

Raj said the building collapsed because of weak foundation. "We will initiate action against the owner and the contractor but our priority is to rescue people trapped under the debris," he said.

(With Agency inputs)