Coimbatore Bus Stand Collapse: 9 Killed, Over 20 Feared Trapped Under Debris

Coimbatore, Sept 7: At least nine people were killed and over 20 are feared trapped under the debris after the roof of a bus stand collapsed in Somanur on the outskirts of the city on Thursday. A team of police officers and fire brigade officials are carrying out the rescue operation. According to preliminary information, the police said that the roof of the shed at the bus stand suddenly collapsed on passengers present at the spot. The cops who were present at the spot said there could be more casualties, as more than 20 people are feared trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are on at the spot, about 25 kms from Coimbatore, cops said. The police said that the incident happened around 2 pm. The collapse that took place unexpectedly also damaged the front portion of the TNSCTC bus stand. Around 10 victims who were moved out of the rubble were shifted to nearby hospitals and Coimbatore Medical College. Around 10 ambulances are deployed at the spot to shift the injuries to hospitals. “It was a concrete roof measuring around 100 feet in length along the main building,” the officer told IANS over phone. “In simple words it was like a concrete sunshade projecting around 15 feet from the main building. The length of the shade will be around 100 feet.” He said there was no supporting column for the 15 feet shade. “Almost 10 people lost their lives. And 20 othere were injured and admitted in the government hospital. I am not sure how many injured have gone to private hospitals,” officer said on phone. In last one week, Somanur, a district located at the border of Coimbatore and Tripur districts had received heavy showers. ANI