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At least 11 people have died and over 8 injured after two buildings collapsed in the early morning on Wednesday. While rescue operations continued through-out the day, many are still feared trapped under the debris.
The two blocks, which collapsed in the wee hours today, were part of the 12-year old residential complex developed by local civic body, Vadodara Urban Development Authority (VUDA). “We are investigating the reason behind the collapse of the buildings. However, at present our priority remains evacuation of those trapped under the debris. The army has been called in for assistance,” said Manish Bharadwaj, municipal commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC).
The state has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the relatives of those who lost their lives. An inquiry commission has been constituted to investigate in the reason of the collapse of the buildings of the government residential scheme. Both the buildings collapsed within a gap of 20 minutes. Therefore, further casualties could be averted. "The residents of the second building were evacuated the moment the first building collapsed. There are very few chances that anyone would be trapped in the second building," said Vinod Rai, Vadodara district collector.
Senior ministers of state government including finance minister, Nitin Patel, energy minister and local MLA, Saurabh Patel and education minister, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama rushed to the spot accompanied by other officials from local administration.
