Tragedy struck Kotma town in Madhya Pradesh as a four-storey building, known as Aggarwal Lodge, collapsed, killing one and trapping several others. The incident occurred on Saturday evening as the building near a bus stand crumbled to the ground amidst a loud, explosion-like sound, creating plumes of dust, according to eyewitnesses.
Local authorities, including Anuppur Superintendent of Police Moti-ur-Rehman, confirmed the unfortunate death and detailed the ongoing search and rescue operations, with SECL and JMS teams arriving to aid efforts. Hospitals in Kotma and Anuppur are on high alert to assist the rescued and injured. Construction work nearby may have contributed to the collapse of the decade-old structure.
Expressing sorrow over the event, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav asserted the government’s commitment to ensuring swift relief and treatment. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been dispatched to manage the aftermath, and three civilians have been safely evacuated. The state mourns the loss and prays for those injured to recover swiftly.