7-storey under construction building collapses in Hyderabad, 2 dead

A seven-storey building under construction in Hyderabad's Anjaiah Nagar collapsed on Saturday afternoon, resulting in at least two fatalities, according to officials from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA). Rescue teams are currently searching for additional potential victims. The incident occurred at a 50-square-yard plot where construction had reportedly been halted previously.

Initially, officials thought the building was empty, but HYDRAA personnel discovered a body trapped under the rubble upon beginning debris clearance. A.V. Ranganath, HYDRAA chief, stated that they suspect another person may be buried under the debris and are actively searching for them.

The collapse also impacted a few neighboring buildings. In comments regarding the incident, Congress MLA Arekapudi Gandhi alleged that the construction was unauthorized and had been halted by municipal authorities four months ago, only to be restarted illegally. He explained that the cellar work was being extended to an adjacent building connected to the seven-storey structure, leading to its sudden collapse.

Gandhi emphasized the importance of understanding the risks associated with illegal constructions, noting that some individuals are profiting from such activities. He added that multiple illegal constructions are ongoing in nearby Serilingampally, and despite his efforts to seize buildings, they continue to operate without adhering to regulations.