8 killed in twin building collapse in India

Rescue workers cut through concrete during a search operation for survivors after the collapse of two residential buildings in Vadodra city, located in the western Indian state of Gujarat August 28, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

NEW DELHI - At least eight people, including women and children, were killed while over 25 others are still feared trapped under the debris in twin building collapse in the western Indian state of Gujarat in the wee hours of Wednesday, a senior police official said.

"The tragic incident happened at 4.30 am (local time). The two three-storey buildings at Vadodara city in Gujarat were part of a huge housing complex built some 35 years back by state-owned Vadodara Urban Development Authority. The two buildings were in a precarious condition and the second one was vacated just weeks back by residents for renovation work," the official said, on condition of anonymity.

So far, eight bodies have been pulled out of the debris of the first collapsed building while eight people were rescued alive; but the death toll is likely to go up later in the day as 25 others are feared trapped under the debris of the first building home to a dozen families, he said.

Local TV channels beamed footage of rescuers trying to pull out survivors from under the debris.

Senior officials have rushed to the spot, he said, adding a probe has been ordered into the incident.

State Chief Minister Narendra Modi said a senior minister has been sent to the spot and announced a compensation of two lakh rupees ($4,000) each to the families of those killed.

"Heard about the collapse of 2 buildings in Vadodara. Rescue operations have begun. My minister colleague Nitinbhai is on his way there," he tweeted.

Building collapses are common in India often because of poor construction practices. Some 75 people were killed in one such collapse in Mumbai in April this year.