More casualties feared: Building collapse kills one, injures four in Multan

Around 20 to 25 people constructing the plaza are feared to be stuck under debris

MULTAN: At least one person died and four others were left injured when a two-storey under construction plaza collapsed on the Bosan road in Multan on Tuesday.

The injured were shifted to the Nishtar Hospital Multan where emergency was declared by the district government.

According to sources, Imran (20), a resident of Lutfabad died and four others identified as Naseer (20), Muzammil (22), Mueen (22) and Allah Ditta (45), were injured in the incident.

Officials told The Express Tribune that a rescue operation was under way and more casualties were feared.

Around 20-25 people who were constructing the plaza were feared to be stuck under the debris.

Initially passers-by started the rescue work, later heavy machinery was brought in to clear the debris and rescue the trapped workers.

Officials faced difficulty in the rescue operation as Bosan Road is one of the main arteries of the city and attempts were being made to divert the traffic on alternative routes.

Eyewitnesses told The Express Tribune that the two-storey building collapsed when labourers were working over the installation of a partition in the plaza. This might be a reason behind the structure caving in, he added.

More than 400 police officials and traffic wardens are assisting the rescue officials to conclude the operation at the earliest.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2017.