3 killed in Akola building collapse, 30 trapped

Three persons, including a 10-year-old boy, were killed and nine others seriously injured when a dilapidated building collapsed in Akola on Saturday following heavy rains.

Authorities mounted a rescue operation as more persons are feared to be trapped in the debris of the 50-year-old three-storey building in Kothadi area. At least 30 people were in it when it collapsed, police said.

The deceased were identified as Mohammed Mohsin Abdul Kayyum (10), Arba Mohsil Khamosi (16) and Fatimabi (30), police said.

All except Khamosi were residents of the building, which was owned by a fruit-seller. He was served a notice by the Akola Municipal Corporation to demolish it some four years ago, they said.

Incessant rainfall since Friday night was cited as the reason for the caving in of the building, officials said.

All the injured were admitted to the district general hospital.

Senior police and civil officials are camping near the site to supervise the rescue operation, which was being conducted on a war footing, officials said.

State Education Minister Vasant Purke, who visited the site, announced that financial aid would be provided to the kin of the dead.