3 killed in MP lodge collapse, CM Yadav announces relief, rescue ops continue

Kotma/Bhopal: The death toll in the tragic building collapse in Kotma town of Madhya Pradesh’s Anuppur district rose to three on Sunday, even as Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced ex gratia for victims’ families and rescue teams continued an intense search for survivors.

The latest victim, a woman whose identity is yet to be established, was pulled out from the debris on Sunday morning, nearly 18 hours after the incident. Two other victims, reportedly relatives, had been recovered earlier.

The incident occurred between 5.30 pm and 5.50 pm on Saturday when a four-storey structure identified as Agarwal Lodge, around 10 years old, suddenly collapsed near the busy Kotma bus stand, triggering panic in the area.

Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion-like sound moments before the building crumbled, sending thick clouds of dust across the locality crowded with passengers and residents.

Rescue operations have been underway since Saturday evening, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police and district administration working continuously using cranes and heavy machinery.

So far, at least five people have been extricated from the rubble. Of them, three succumbed to injuries, while others are undergoing treatment at nearby medical facilities.

Authorities fear more people could still be trapped under the debris, though estimates have varied between six and ten individuals in initial reports.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.

The kin of those who lost their lives will receive Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund, Rs 4 lakh under the Sambal Scheme and Rs 1 lakh from the Red Cross.

Injured persons will be provided Rs 2 lakh from the discretionary fund along with Rs 50,000 from the Red Cross.

“The state government stands in solidarity with the affected families. We pray for peace for the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured,” the Chief Minister said.

Minister Dilip Ahirwar, along with District Magistrate Harshal Pancholi and Superintendent of Police Moti-ur-Rehman, has been overseeing rescue efforts on the ground.

Preliminary indications suggest that nearby construction activity may have contributed to the collapse.

Residents pointed to a nearly 12-foot-deep pit dug at an adjacent site, where water accumulation is believed to have weakened the foundation of the lodge.

Officials have acknowledged the possibility of structural compromise due to ongoing construction work in proximity.

A detailed probe has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the collapse and identify any lapses in construction practices or safety norms.

With rescue operations still ongoing, tension and anxiety continue to grip the area as authorities race against time to locate any remaining survivors.