Four persons were killed and over 30 trapped under the debris of a building under construction that collapsed at 5.30 p.m. on Saturday after heavy showers. The deceased include Marudhu Pandian (40) from Madurai, Shankar (27), Shanthakumari (25) and an unidentified male. The incident occurred at Moulivakkam near Porur on Kundrathur main road. Fifteen injured persons were taken to various city hospitals.
Rescue operations were on late into the night with over 12 fire tenders and 150 Fire and Rescue Service personnel involved in the rescue work
‘Trust Heights,’ promoted by Prime Sristi Housing Pvt. Ltd, had two 11-storey buildings under construction – ‘The Faith’ and ‘The Belief.’
According to Fire and Rescue service personnel, one of the multi-storey structures collapsed on an adjoining small building.
In a statement, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said she had directed the police to initiate action against those responsible for the incident. A national disaster management team from Arakkonam has rushed to the spot to assist the rescue.
Chennai Commissioner of Police S. George told reporters at the spot that owner of the real estate firm Manoharan and his son, Muthu have been arrested.