Palakkad, Kerala: An old drinking water tank collapsed while it was being demolished at Kollengode on Monday.

The tank fell in the opposite direction from where it was intended to be brought down, causing damage to a nearby house and breaking an electricity pole.

The wall and gate of the Kollengode Village Office were also completely damaged in the incident.

A major disaster was averted as no one was present in the immediate vicinity when the tank collapsed. A JCB operator who saw the tank falling managed to move the vehicle backwards in time.

No officials were present at the village office, and there was no one in the damaged portion of the nearby house at the time of the incident.

Local residents alleged that the contractor engaged to demolish the tank had failed to follow adequate safety measures. Although the electricity supply had been disconnected, residents raised concerns over the lack of other necessary safety precautions.