1 Dead, 6 Wounded As Roof Of Petrol Pump Collapses In Chennai, Rescue Ops Underway

The six injured were seeking cover at the gas pump to avoid the downpour. They were brought to a neighbouring hospital and are now being treated.

A fire crew and police officers arrived on the scene and began clearing the debris.

Source : X/@ANI

One person died and six were injured when the ceiling of a gas pump collapsed on them in Saidapet, Chennai, on Friday after heavy rain, according to authorities, news agency ANI reported. The six injured were seeking cover at the gas pump to avoid the downpour. They were brought to a neighbouring hospital and are now being treated. "A person named, Kandhasamy who was an employee at the petrol pump, died in the accident," Chennai police stated. 

#UPDATE | A person named, Kandhasamy who was an employee at the petrol pump, died in the accident: Chennai Police

— ANI (@ANI) September 29, 2023

A fire crew and police officers arrived on the scene and began clearing the debris. More details are awaited.

Seven persons who were trapped beneath the fallen roof were rescued and sent to Guindy's Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital. According to hospital director Dr Parthasarathy, one of them was declared "brought dead" in the hospital, TOI reported.

Following heavy rainfall, severe traffic jam has been witnessed in Velachery area of Chennai, PTI reported. 

VIDEO | Severe traffic jam in Velachery area of Chennai, Tamil Nadu following heavy rainfall in the region. pic.twitter.com/GLlKhPBQ2Z

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 29, 2023

Chennai is still experiencing severe rain, and the Indian Meteorological Department has forecast additional rain in the following days, increasing fears about the city's weather. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Chennai has forecast mild to heavy rainfall in numerous regions of Tamil Nadu during the next seven days. On Friday, September 29, heavy rains are forecast in the highland districts of Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Theni, and Dindigul. Light to moderate rainfall are expected in Chennai until Sunday, October 1. 

Thunderstorms and lightning are expected in isolated locations across Puducherry and Karaikal districts during the next two days, accompanied with mild to moderate precipitation, according to the IMD. 

(With Inputs From Agencies)