14 killed in Goa building collapse, many trapped

 At least 14 people died and many injured, while more than a dozen were feared trapped under the debris of an under-construction building in Ca­n­ac­ona town, 60 km from state capital Panaji, on Saturday.

Police said a portion of a three-storey building, Ruby Residency, located in the Chawdi ward of Canacona, collapsed, burying over 50 people working at the site.

The Army has been called in for relief and rescue work, according to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. “Eleven bodies have been extracted. Thirteen injured workers have been shifted to various hospitals depending on the seriousness of their injuries. But there are at least a dozen or more trapped under the debris,” an official said.

Officials from the police, health and fire service departments used heavy equipment, gas cutters and crane to get to the trapped workers. Rescue work could continue through the night. The police has been asked to get cracking and nab those prima facie responsible for the accident.

“An FIR has been filed against the builder, contractor and the municipal engineer in-charge. We will not spare anyone,” Parrikar said, adding that a state government-organised cultural programme organised in the vicinity was cancelled following the tragedy.