The death toll in a multi-storey building’s collapse in Himachal Pradesh’s Solan rose to 14 on Monday, 15 July, according to news agency ANI. 13 Army personnel and a civilian were killed in the mishap.
All of the 42 people who were trapped in the debris, including 30 Army personnel and 12 civilians have been pulled out.
Earlier during the day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur visited the site of the accident.
“It is very unfortunate. Rescue operation was started immediately. Orders have been given to investigate the cause of the collapse. As per the information received till now, the building structure was not as per the specifications.”Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh
‘FIR Registered Against the Owner’
Solan Deputy Commissioner KC Chaman said, “It's a matter of inquiry as to how the building collapsed. We will conduct an inquiry. This building was constructed in 2009, a floor was added to it recently. An FIR against the owner has already been lodged.”
Earlier, Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur had said, “All injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals. The NDRF team from Panchkula have reached the spot and medical teams have also reached the spot.”
The building, which housed a restaurant, was located on the Nahan-Kumarhatti road. It collapsed during heavy rainfall in the area, an official reportedly told PTI.
The trapped people reportedly included some Army personnel and their family members, who were on their way to Uttarakhand and had stopped at the restaurant for lunch, the official further said.
District officials are at the spot and rescue work is underway.
BJP Working President JP Nadda said he had a discussion with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram regarding relief operations.
“The CM is personally monitoring the incident,” Nadda said in a tweet.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)