Kotma, April 5 (NationPress) The devastating building collapse in Kotma, located in Madhya Pradesh's Anuppur district, has tragically resulted in a death toll of three as of Sunday, following the recovery of a third victim—a woman—from the wreckage. The identity of the deceased is still unknown. The incident took place between 5:30 and 5:50 p.m. on Saturday when a four-storey structure known as Agarwal Lodge, which has been standing for around a decade, unexpectedly fell near the Kotma bus stand, approximately 600 km from Bhopal.

Witnesses reported a loud sound akin to an explosion, followed by clouds of dust. According to the latest updates, the bodies of two relatives were previously retrieved from the debris.

Rescue operations, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local law enforcement, and district officials, have been ongoing for over 18 hours, utilizing cranes and heavy equipment. So far, five individuals have been rescued from the rubble; three have sadly succumbed to their injuries, while the other two are currently receiving medical care.

There are concerns that several additional individuals may still be trapped within the debris, although estimates of those unaccounted for vary, ranging from six to ten.

Local residents have pointed out a 12-foot-deep pit excavated at a nearby construction site on a plot measuring approximately 20x50 feet adjacent to the lodge. It is believed that water accumulation in this pit may have compromised the building's foundation.

Officials have indicated that construction activities in the vicinity could have played a role in the collapse.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Dilip Ahirwar commented to IANS, "This is an extremely unfortunate incident... The Chief Minister has instructed both the administration and myself to be present at the scene. The entire administrative team is on-site, and rescue efforts are continuing... A comprehensive investigation into this incident will be initiated."

District Magistrate Harshal Pancholi and Superintendent of Police Moti-ur-Rehman are closely monitoring the rescue efforts.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences and called for swift rescue measures, with NDRF teams deployed without delay.

A thorough investigation has been ordered to ascertain the exact causes and any possible violations of construction or safety protocols.

The collapse has instilled panic in the bustling area surrounding the bus stand, where many passengers and locals were present at the time. Rescue operations are still underway as teams continue searching for survivors.