4 dead, 6 hurt in Puri building collapse

OST Bureau

Puri, Sep 8

In a tragic incident at least four persons including two children died and six others were critically hurt when a two-storey building in which they were staying collapsed early this morning here at Dolamandap Sahi. The injured were rushed to district headquarters hospital. Rescue operations are on to locate others who are feared to have been trapped under the debris.

Reports said at least 10 people were putting up in the building which was in a dilapidated state. The unfortunate incident occurred at around 3am. Two among the deceased were from Baleswar, who were on a visit to the pilgrim city and had chosen to spend the night in the building.

Another victim has been identified as the care taker of the house. They were admitted to the hospital in critical condition where doctors declared them dead.

The reason of the collapse is still unknown, police said. Town police have detained the owner of the building for interrogation.

Puri ADM Uddhab Charan Majhi said the building was in dilapidated condition and was being illegally used as a private lodging house without necessary clearance of the administration.