Karnataka: Several feared trapped, rescue operations underway after building collapse in Bengaluru

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with dog squads have been deployed at the site as the search continues for the people trapped under the debris.

According to the Director General of Fire Services Prashant Kumar Thakur, five people were currently trapped in the building and the rescue teams were waiting for professional concrete cutters to remove the debris.

He emphasised that the assessment of casualties would be conducted after the rescue operation is over.

"The police control received the information at 4 PM and the fire control received the information at 5 PM. After we received information regarding the collapse of the building, fire tenders and personnel were rushed to the spot. Teams of SDRF and NDRF were also informed to reach the spot and rescue operations are underway. As per our information, five people are currently trapped and we are waiting for professional concrete cutters to remove the debris," Thakur said.

"After investigation, only we would know how many people have died. We are now trying to rescue the people who are trapped under the debries... Around 15-20 labourers were living in the building. There were other labourers who lived in the shed near the building... Efforts are underway to rescue them," he added.

Earlier, police said that one person was killed while five others are missing in the building collapse.

According to officials, the incident occurred in the Horamavu Agara area on Tuesday afternoon.

At the time of the collapse, there were 20 people inside the building. "Twenty people were trapped. One of them has died, and 14 were rescued. Five are still missing," D Devaraja, DCP (East) Bengaluru, told ANI.

He further added that a rescue operation was underway to locate the missing people. According to locals, the incident took place around 1.00 pm. (ANI)