3 dead, 15 trapped in rubble after under-construction building collapses in Dharwad

Dharwad: Three people are believed to be dead, and 15 trapped under the rubble of an under-construction building that collapsed in Dharwad, Karnataka. 15 people have been injured and three remain critical.

The under-construction building collapsed in Dharwad’s Kumareshwar Nagar. Fifty six labourers have been rescued so far.

Hospitals in the district are on high alert and 20 ambulances have been stationed at the accident site.

Reports suggest that the construction had been going on in the building for the past two years. About 60 shops were functioning out of the first two floors.

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy said that he has instructed the chief secretary to supervise rescue operations. He has also instructed that the injured be airlifted if required.

In his tweet, Kumaraswamy said, "Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I have instructed the Chief Secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to Dharwad."

The owners of the building have been identified as Basavaraj Nigadi, Gangadhar Shintre and Ravi Sobrad. One of the owners, Gangadhar Shintre, is the father-in-law of Congress leader Vinay Kulkarni.

Vinay Kulkarni, a Congress leader and Karnataka leader, also visited the accident site.