Kotma, April 4 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday evening as a three-story building near the Kotma bus stand in Anuppur district suddenly crumbled, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and leaving several others trapped beneath the debris. This disaster incited chaos in the vicinity and initiated a significant rescue operation.

The structure, known as Agrawal Lodge, was built a decade ago. Dilip Jaiswal, the Minister of State for Cottage and Rural Industry, spoke to IANS, stating he could not determine the cause of the collapse but confirmed the presence of a rescue team on-site.

The calamity struck while construction activities were ongoing on the upper floors of the lodge. Concurrently, excavation work for a new complex was being conducted on a nearby site. One fatality has been confirmed, with estimates suggesting that between eight to ten people may still be trapped under the rubble.

Superintendent of Police Moti Ur Rahman reported that rescue teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police, are tirelessly working at the scene.

Efforts to clear debris are progressing swiftly with the assistance of JCB excavators and other heavy machinery.

So far, three injured people have been rescued and transported to the Community Health Centre in Kotma for medical attention, where their conditions are being closely monitored. The injured include Tulsi Mehra (40) and Ramkishore Prajapati (50), both residents of Bagaiha Tola village. Ramkishore was at a nearby grocery store when the incident occurred.

Another injured person, Tulsi Bhaina, from Gobari in Jaithari, was waiting for a bus at the Kotma bus stand to go to her maternal home in Dogariya when the building fell.

Initial investigations indicate that unauthorized construction coupled with simultaneous excavation on the adjacent plot may have contributed to this disaster.

Neither the ongoing construction nor the foundation excavation had received the necessary approvals from the Municipal Council.

Despite evident violations, no shutdown notices were issued, raising serious concerns regarding administrative oversight.

Local residents have gathered in large numbers to assist rescue teams. Intensive search operations are ongoing to locate and free any remaining individuals trapped beneath the wreckage.

Authorities have commenced an investigation into the precise cause of the collapse and have assured that stringent actions will be taken against those accountable for unsafe and illegal construction practices.

This incident has reignited concerns over unregulated building operations and the lax enforcement of construction regulations in the region. Officials have urged the public to remain calm and share any information that could aid in the rescue efforts.