Four die in a wall collapse at Amberpet in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Four died, and eight were injured as a wall collapsed at Amberpet, Golnaka on Sunday afternoon. Inquiries revealed that Vijaya Laxmi (60) died on the spot, while Krishnaiah (23), Sohail (24) and P Suresh (29) succumbed to injuries.

The injured have been shifted to Yashoda Hospital in Malakpet and dead have been taken to Osmania General Hospital for post-mortem. The incident happened when an eight-foot wall besides Pearl Garden Function hall near Golnaka Chowrasta came down crumbling.

The collapse also damaged two autos and few bikes, which were parked near the function hall. The local populace rushed to the stop and started rescue operations. People who attended the wedding at the venue and some kids who were playing near the hall are still stuck, said sources.

Soon after the wall collapsed, the Disaster Response Force (DRF) of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) also rushed to the spot. Police personnel also gathered, and rescue operations are still in progress. Heavy earthmoving machinery was also deployed to clear the debris. Within minutes, hundreds present in the hall at the time of the incident were vacated.

Speaking to media persons, Joint CP East Zone M Ramesh said that Pearl Garden Function Hall management had recently constructed a new wall, just behind the dais. After the completion of the construction, the hall was given on rent for the first function.

“The newly constructed wall collapsed, leading to the incident. Criminal cases would be registered against the hall owner and the responsible persons. A detailed probe will be taken up,” the officer noted.

The reason for the collapse is still not apparent. GHMC Deputy Mayor Baba Fasiuddin visited the site and consoled the families of the victims. He also announced Rs 2 lakh each for the family of the dead.

In a similar incident this September, a building wall collapsed due to heavy rains in Bahadurpura, killing an older woman.