ISLAMABAD, July 17 (Xinhua) -- A three-storey wedding hall building collapsed during renovation in Mirpur district of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on Friday, injuring at least 15 laborers and leaving dozens of others trapped, officials said.
Deputy Commissioner of Mirpur Raja Tahir Mumtaz told Xinhua that the laborers were renovating the marriage hall when it came crashing down, pinning them beneath falling slabs of concrete.
At least 15 workers with injury have been rescued from the rubble and shifted to a nearby hospital, whereas more than 40 people mostly laborers are feared to still be trapped inside the collapsed building including the owner and manager of the marriage hall, said the official, adding that "a search and rescue operation is currently underway."
There was not any wedding event at the building as it was closed for all kinds of ceremonies as part of the government's measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Mumtaz added.
Following the incident, rescue teams along with local authorities reached the area and are working to rescue those who are stuck under the collapsed building. Local residents are also assisting authorities in the rescue operation.
Pakistani army troops and helicopters have also been sent to the area to help with the rescue activities.
Police told local media that the reason behind the collapse is not clear yet. However, either a poor construction of the building or sporadic earthquake tremors in the area could be the reason for the collapse. Enditem
