The death toll in Secunderabad building collapse reached 11, raising the spectre of humongous loss in one of the biggest tragedies of the twin cities. The 40-year-old old building that collapsed was located on the busy RP Road, and housed the City Lite Hotel, one of the oldest in the twin cities. Since the time the building caved in at 6.30 in the morning, the rescuers extricated 11 bodies from under the debris that still resembles a huge mound of soil.

At least 20 persons, rescued from the mishap site, are being treated at Gandhi Hospital while another 30 are feared still trapped under the huge concrete blocks. The death toll is expected to mount further as the day progresses. The dead include four of the hotel staff including the owner’s son Mustafa Buloki. Two others are believed to be migrant workers from Odisha while the rest are believed to be daily-wage earners who came to the hotel for a cup of tea.

A negligent GHMC and an insensitive hotel management appear to have brought about this man-made disaster. The hotel management had reportedly carried out digging work in the basement to construct multiple haleem kilns for the impending Ramadhan season. This reportedly triggered the collapse of the old edifice which has no modern foundation system. The GHMC authorities are equally to blame for the tragedy for their inaction despite identifying it as unsafe and disaster-prone a few years back.

The rescue operations are going on at a snail’s pace predictably due to lack of modern equipment to remove the huge blocks of concrete and steel. About five cranes and earthmovers are working continuously to clear the rubble but with little effect. Realising the complexity of the operation, the authorities are hoping to complete the task before sunset. But their first priority is to save the people trapped inside. Oxygen cylinders are being used to prevent asphyxiation and keep the trapped people alive.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy visited the mishap site and later consoled the injured at the hospital. He ordered quality medicare and promised all help from the government.