India: Wall collapses in Gujarat's Mehsana; 7 dead, several feared buried

At least seven people died after the wall of a private company collapsed on them at a construction site in the Indian state ofGujarat's Mehsana district on Saturday (Oct 12),India Today reported.

The incident happened near Jasalpur village in Kadi talukaof Mehsana district, Mehsana SP Tarun Duggal said.

"Five bodies have been recovered, and three to four other labourers are feared buried. A rescue operation is going on," a police official said.

Rescue operation begins

The local officialshave begun the rescue operation. Ambulance and police reached the spot for the safety of people.

Several labourers were digging a pit for an underground tank for Steel Inox Stainless Pvt Ltd factory in Jasalpur village when loose soil caved in and buried them alive, inspector Prahaladsinh Vaghela of Kadi police station said.

According to the administration, others who are currently trapped in the soil will be rescued alive.

PM Modi 'condoles' lives lost in wall collapse incident

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the incident. He further wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

PM Modi stressed that the local administration is providing all possible help to the victims.

"The accident caused by the wall collapse in Mehsana, Gujarat is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this. May God give them the strength to bear this pain. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in providing all possible help to the victims," PM Modi said in a post on X.

(With inputs from agencies)