A roof collapse at an under-construction church in Mandi Krishnapuram, near Katpadi in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district, resulted in the deaths of two individuals this evening. The church is affiliated with the Church of South India (CSI). Details surrounding the incident are still emerging as authorities investigate the circumstances of the collapse.
The accident occurred while concrete was being poured for the roof of the under-construction church. The site is close to the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border, and personnel from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh police, fire and rescue services and revenue officials have been involved in the rescue operation. Officials will also verify whether all necessary permissions had been obtained for the construction of the church.
More than 14 workers are believed to have been at the site when the structure suddenly collapsed, trapping several people under the concrete and debris.
The district administration said steps will be taken to provide relief to the families of those killed as well as those injured in the accident.
“We suspect one more person could be trapped in the concrete that fell.
All others rescued are safe,” the Collector told NDTV. A team of NDRF personnel will join the rescue operation shortly, she said.
The Collector said the contractors involved in the construction are also currently in hospital. She said an inquiry would be conducted into the collapse and appropriate action would be taken based on its findings.
