Two dead, several feared trapped as building collapses in Rajasthan’s Kota; rescue operation under way

by

New Delhi: At least two people were killed and several others are feared trapped after a multi-storey building housing a restaurant collapsed in Rajasthan’s Kota on Saturday night. Rescue operations are underway at the site.

The incident occurred around 8.45 pm in the Talwandi–Indira Vihar belt under Jawahar Nagar police station limits. Police, fire brigade and ambulance teams rushed to the spot after receiving alerts and began clearing debris to locate survivors.

Rajasthan cabinet minister Madan Dilawar described the incident as a major accident and confirmed two deaths so far.

Cause of collapse not known yet

“There is information of two deaths so far, and nine people were hospitalised. Four of them are still in the hospital, while around four have either shifted to a private hospital or gone home,” he told news agency PTI, adding that the cause of the collapse is being investigated.

District Collector Piyush Samaria said rescue work began immediately after authorities were informed.

“We received information about the building collapse, and rescue operations were started without delay. Five people have been rescued and shifted to the hospital so far. At this stage, it is not possible to confirm how many people are still trapped,” he told reporters.

Around 30-40 people inside premises at time of incident

A restaurant was operating in the building and customers and staff were present when the structure gave way. Eyewitnesses and local residents began pulling out victims before emergency teams arrived. Around 30–40 people may have been inside the premises at the time of the incident.

While some of the injured were brought to Kota Medical College Hospital, several others were taken to private hospitals by their families. Some victims were discharged after primary treatment.

Local MLA Sandeep Sharma, who reached the site, said the building collapsed suddenly and more people could still be under the rubble. “Rescue operations are underway and some people have been pulled out,” he said.

Authorities said the structure was under construction, with upper floors still being completed. Power supply in the surrounding area has been cut as a precaution.