6 killed in building collapse in India

At least six people were killed and several others injured on Monday after portions of four residential buildings collapsed in southern Indian state of Karnataka, police said.

The residential buildings partially collapsed at a congested locality in Ejipura area of Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka.

"This morning at around 6:30 a.m. (local time), portions of some buildings collapsed here, killing six people and injuring several others," a police official said.

Authorities fear death toll would rise as some people are reported to be trapped under the debris.

According to witnesses, most of the residents were sleeping when the buildings collapsed.

Initially it was reported that buildings collapsed due to cylinder blast. However, local home minister Ramalinga Reddy ruled out the possibility of blast.

"Cylinders on both ground and first floor had no gas in them so it is unlikely that the buildings collapsed due to blast," Reddy told media on spot.

Following the incident, the administration rushed police and firefighters to the spot to carry out rescue work.

Police have registered a case and ordered investigations to ascertain the reasons that caused the building collapse.

Meanwhile, the local government has announced a compensation of 7,721 U.S. dollars to the family of each that lost its member in the tragedy.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)