Karnataka building collapse: Death toll rises to 7, more than 60 rescued

Dharwad: On Thursday, the death toll rose to seven and until now more than 60 people were rescued in the Karnataka building collapse that occurred on Tuesday.

However, the death toll was five on Wednesday afternoon. Indian Air Force on Wednesday evening airlifted two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Karnataka's Hubli to undertake rescue operations after an under-construction building collapsed at Dharwad.

The airlift of the NDRF teams was carried using strategic transport aircraft C-130J Super Hercules.

Earlier on Wednesday, Karnataka Revenue Minister RV Deshpande said that government will initiate an inquiry and those injured will be treated free of cost.

At least 37 people have been rescued from the site where an under-construction building collapsed at Dharwad's Kumareshwar Nagar on Tuesday evening.

Karnataka Revenue Minister R V Deshpande commented on Dharwad building collapse, "It is a shocking incident. Total of three people have lost their lives. An inquiry will be ordered."

The rescue operation is still underway as more people are feared trapped stated R V Deshpande.

Earlier, Dharwad Deputy Commissioner Deepa Cholan had said that two people lost their lives while 28 people were admitted at Civil Hospital here for treatment while 13 people have been referred to KIMS and SDM hospital

Meanwhile, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said rescue efforts will be conducted on a war footing and urged locals not to panic.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are engaged in the rescue operation.