Koraput: A shop building collapsed near the bus stand in Odisha’s Koraput town on Saturday, reportedly leaving one person dead and some others trapped under the debris.
Sources said two persons were rescued from the site shortly after the mishap and immediately rushed to the Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College & Hospital for treatment. While one of them reportedly succumbed to injuries, another is undergoing treatment.
The deceased person has been identified as P Loknath (58), who ran a betel shop.
As the mishap triggered panic among locals, teams from the Fire Service, Odisha Disaster Raid Action Force (ODRAF), and police have launched rescue operations at the site.
Locals said several people were inside the shop when they heard loud cracking noises from the structure. While some managed to rush outside in time, the building caved in moments later.
Around three persons, including the shop owner, are suspected to be still be trapped beneath the rubble. However, the exact number of victims has not yet been confirmed.
Preliminary reports suggest that incessant rain in the area may have weakened the already old structure, leading to the mishap. The building, part of a market complex, was reportedly in a fragile condition. The exact cause can be ascertained only after investigation.
The incident occurred in a densely populated area, which could have led to a more serious outcome. Koraput SP and other senior officials rushed to the site and are overseeing rescue operations. Police have been deployed in large numbers to control the crowd, ensure smooth operations and prevent further injuries.