Three migrant workers from West Bengal lost their lives after the building they were living in collapsed near Kodakara in Thrissur district, Kerala, on Friday. The structure, which reportedly housed 17 people at the time, gave way suddenly, prompting a swift response from the police and fire department who continue to carry out rescue operations at the site.
The deceased have been identified as Rubal, Rahul, and Alim, all hailing from West Bengal, according to a statement by the local police, as per ANI. Officials from the police and fire services confirmed that 17 migrant workers were inside the building when it collapsed early in the morning, around 6 a.m. Of the total, 14 of them escaped without injuries. The rescue operation, which lasted nearly two and a half hours, focused on locating the remaining trapped individuals.
Kerala Minister Orders Detailed Probe
In response to the incident, Kerala Minister for Public Education and Employment V Sivankutty ordered the Labour Commissioner to launch a detailed investigation into the cause of the collapse and submit a comprehensive report. The minister’s office further stated that the Labour Department will oversee the repatriation of the deceased workers' bodies to their native villages in West Bengal.
ALSO READ: Monsoon Fury Intensifies In Kerala: Schools In 7 Districts Closed, Access Restricted To Wayanad
In a Facebook post, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed sorrow over the incident, calling it heartbreaking and extending his condolences to the victims’ families.
A fire department officer involved in the rescue effort said that two of the trapped workers were found close to the surface and were rescued quickly.