Building collapses in Hyderabad

At least 13 people have died after an under-construction building collapsed in the busy Narayanguda area of Hyderabad on Friday. The building next door housed a school, where hundreds of children had a narrow escape. But what this mishap has exposed once again is the criminal negligence in granting permissions violating all safety norms. (NDTV Photo)

Three municipal officials who granted permission to four-storey structure that collapsed in Hyderabad killing over 13 people have been suspended.(NDTV Photo)

Rescue workers are trying to look for survivors after the fourth floor slab of the under-construction building collapsed. The rescue operation would continue till it is ensured that there are no more survivors, an official said.(NDTV Photo)

But for people like Yadagiri, anxiety keeps mounting with every passing moment. His wife is among those buried under the rubble.

"Will I get my wife back?" is all he could ask for from the rescuers.(NDTV Photo)

Right next to the collapsed structure is a five-storey school building that the authorities feared could go down as well.

"The risk was to neighbouring building also which housed a school. A large number of children were there who were evacuated to safety," said Hyderabad Police Commissioner A K Khan.(NDTV Photo)

Prima facie, poor quality construction material is reported to have caused the mishap.

"The Municipal Corporation must ensure that the plan is drawn up by a qualified person and whether the construction design and material is okay. Without seeing, they are giving permission," said former minister Vijayaramarao.

The Municipal Corporation will have to answer questions on how permissions were given violating all safety norms.

"These sort of schools don't have emergency exits or fire exits," said Achyutha Rao, working with a child rights NGO.(NDTV Photo)