Rescue work on to recover bodies trapped under collapsed chimney in Chattisgarh

Korba (Chattisgarh), Sep 24(ANI): Salvage and rescue operations were being conducted to recover bodies, save any surviving person and also to clear the rubble caused by the collapse of a chimney at the thermal power plant site of Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) in Chattisgarh's Korba district on Thursday.

The collapsed chimney was under construction at Balco Nagar and the mishap has reportedly claimed at least 20 lives.

The disaster took place on Wednesday, when about 100 workers and engineers were engaged in the construction work of the chimney, reportedly executed by a Chinese company named SEPKO.

Chhattisgarh Home Minister Nankiram Kanwar also visited the accident site, and said that Chhattisgarh Government has announced a compensation of Rs 1,00,000 for the families of deceased.

"It may take another two to three days to clear the rubble. Continuous efforts are on to clear the rubble that started from last night. The chief minister has ordered for a judicial enquiry and has announced a compensation of Rs 1,00,000 to the family of the deceased," Kanwar said.

Kanwar further said that a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against the company.

"An FIR has been lodged against the administration and the company that was engaged in the construction work," Kanwar added.

According to reports, substandard materials were being used in the construction of the chimney, which might have caused the mishap. (ANI)