Summary:
DHARWAD: One person was killed and over 90 people are feared trapped after an underconstruction building collapsed in Dharwad on Tuesday.According to eyewitnesses, as many as 150 people were inside shops of the first and second floors of the building at the time of the incident.Former minister Vinay Kulkarni admitted that the building belongs to his relatives.“Actually, there are 6-7 partners and one of them is my relative. I am also rushing to the spot and have told police and fire and emergency personnel to expedite rescue operations,” he added.Personnel of fire and emergency services, police and other departments have rushed to the spot. As of now, four people have been rescued from the spot and have been rushed to a hospital.As many as 10 ambulances and other rescue vehicles are also pressed into service.Anwar, one of the survivors, claimed about 90 people are still trapped under the debris.It’s learnt that the construction work at the building was going on for the past two years.“As soon as a floor is completed, they rent it out and start the construction work of the next floor,” said one of shopkeepers on the condition of anonymity.Over 60 shops were said to be functioning in the first and second floors of the building.However, residents alleged that the quality of construction was poor since the beginning.Many questions are being raised over the permission given for the construction work and inspection of the building.Even MLA Amrut Desai suspected the same and he said he will look into the matter..