Chennai building collapse: Death toll mounts to 44

According to sources in the rescue team, the death toll is expected to rise.

Rescue personnel at the site of the building collapse in Moulivakkam, Chennai on Tuesday. Photo: G. Krishnaswamy

With the 43rd body being taken out and rescue workers having spotted the 44th under the debris, the death toll of the 11-storey-building collapse at Moulivakkam, near Porur, has escalated.

According to sources in the rescue team, the death toll is expected to rise.

Vikas Singh Pan (26) of Odisha who was rescued on Tuesday afternoon following a two-hour-long ordeal said that over 30 persons were watching television on the floor he was, when the disaster occurred on Saturday evening. This has given rise to fears that more people could be trapped under the debris.

The rescue efforts continue to be in full swing at the accident site.