Initially, the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police jointly carried out the rescue operation. The search operation is still underway by NDRF while the local administration is also present on the spot. So far 28 people have been rescued while 12-15 people are still feared trapped.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur ordered an inquiry into the incident last night. He would visit the area to take stock of the rescue operation and will enquire about the condition of the injured today. "Rescue operations is underway. I hope within next few hours rescue operations will conclude. Proper investigation will be done," he said.
The CM further informed that the the accident reportedly took place because the foundation of the building collapsed following heavy rainfall. He told the injured have been shifted to the hospital in Dharampur.
The building, which housed a restaurant, located on the Nahan-Kumarhatti road, collapsed amidst heavy rains on Sunday evening. The trapped people reportedly include some Army personnel and their family members who were on their way to Uttarakhand and had stopped at the restaurant for lunch.
District officials have reached the spot after receiving the information. Deputy Commissioner K.C. Chaman told the media that a rescue operation is underway to save the people still trapped inside, adding that the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals.
Director cum Special Secretary Revenue & Disaster Management DC Rana was quoted by ANI as saying, "Two people dead & 22 have been rescued after a building collapsed in Kumarhatti, earlier today." However, the heavy rain in the area hampered the rescue operation.