The death toll in the building collapse incident in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan has risen to eight from two while seven people are still feared trapped, police said on Monday.
The multi-storey building located in Kumarhatti area that housed a restaurant on its top floor collapsed around 4 pm on Sunday following heavy rain in the area.
According to reports, the Army jawans had stopped to have their lunch at the place when the building collapsed. At least 30 Army men and seven civilians were present at the spot at the time of the incident.
Solan Deputy Commissioner KC Chaman said that at least 17 Army personnel and 11 civilians have been rescued so far, adding, efforts are underway to rescue those trapped under the debris.
“Around 17 Army personnel and 11 civilians rescued so far. Six Army personnel and one civilian casualty have been reported, seven Army personnel are still feared trapped. Search and rescue operation to be completed by today afternoon,” the senior police official said.
The injured people have been admitted to the hospital.
He further said that an FIR has been registered against the owner of the building, adding, an inquiry will be initiated to ascertain the cause of the mishap.
“It’s a matter of inquiry as to how the building collapsed. This building was constructed in 2009, and a floor was added to it recently. An FIR against the owner has already been lodged. We will conduct an inquiry,” he added.
On Sunday, Thakur took cognisance of the matter and said that an inquiry will be done to ascertain the cause of the incident.
“Rescue operations are underway. I hope within the next few hours rescue operations will conclude. Proper investigation will be done,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot tweeted praying for people trapped inside the debris including the Army jawans.”I wish and pray, the people including army personnel trapped under building debris in #Solan, #HimachalPradesh are rescued safely,” Gehlot said.
BJP working president JP Nadda also took stock of the situation and said that the chief minister was personally monitoring the situation.
“A building has collapsed in Solan, Himachal Pradesh in which some Army personnel are also trapped. I spoke to the chief minister of the state, Jai Ram ji, for relief operations. He is personally monitoring the incident,” Nadda was quoted by ANIas saying.
SOURCE: TIMES NOW
