At least nine people were killed when a multi-storey building collapsed at Moulivakkam, near Porur, Chennai on Saturday evening.
Around 27 people have been rescued so far, while at least 25 are still trapped under the debris, reported NDTV. The injured have been rushed to Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute and to other nearby hosptials. It was raining heavily at the time of the incident.
Relief and rescue operations are in full swing to save those who have been trapped under the debris. Most are understood to be construction workers from both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Teams from National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF) have rushed to the spot and have resumed the rescue operations.
"NDRF members who are on the morning shift have already arrived at the spot and work is on to rescue those trapped inside," The Times of India quoted K Baskaran, Collector of Kancheepuram.
Ambulances and medical supplies have been stationed at the spot to attend emergency cases.
"We are all stationed here and we will stabilise the patients, there are ambulances from all hospitals stationed here. Around 15 ambulances are here plus other to send them to hospital. So there is no dearth of medical aid so that they can be lifted out and be given whatever medial aid," Dr Geetha Lakshmi, Director of Medical Education, state government, was quoted saying by CNN IBN.
In a statement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa expressed grief over the death of those killed in the incident. She also stated that tough action would be taken against those who are responsible for the tragedy.
The Chennai city police have registered a case under the Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code. They have arrested the building owner Manoharan and his son Muthu, the TOI report stated.
Meanwhile, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority officials have said that they would study whether there were any "irregularities" or "illegalities" in granting plan permission to the building and submit a formal report to the government on Monday. They would also examine the quality of construction and the soil suitability, reported the Press Trust of India.
