At least two individuals lost their lives and several others are trapped after a three-story building, Agrawal Lodge, collapsed near the Kotma bus stand in Anuppur district. The incident occurred during construction on the lodge’s upper floors while excavation for a new complex’s foundation was ongoing on an adjacent plot. Rescue operations, involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police, are in progress.
Superintendent of Police Moti Ur Rahman confirmed the presence of rescue teams working tirelessly at the site, utilizing JCB excavators and heavy machinery for debris removal. Three injured persons have been rescued and taken to the Community Health Centre in Kotma for medical care. Among the injured are Tulsi Mehra (40) and Ramkishore Prajapati (50) from Bagaiha Tola village, along with Tulsi Bhaina from Gobari in Jaithari.
Initial investigations suggest that unauthorized construction and excavation work on the adjacent plot may have led to the building collapse. The ongoing construction and foundation digging had not obtained approvals from the Municipal Council, indicating regulatory oversights. Local residents have joined the rescue efforts, as authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the incident’s cause and promise strict action against those responsible for the unsafe practices.
Concerns over unregulated building activities and lax enforcement of construction standards in the region have been reignited by this tragedy. Authorities are urging calm and seeking public cooperation to aid in the ongoing rescue operations.
