Five-storey under-construction building collapses in Kerala’s Idukki; no casualties

A five-storey building under construction collapsed at Pambanar, near Peerumedu in Idukki, Kerala, around 3.30 a.m. on Thursday. According to officials, no casualties were reported as no workers were staying in the building at the time.

While the structure was completely destroyed, a family living in a nearby house had a narrow escape. The building is owned by Pambanar resident Agnal.

The five-storey building under construction that collapsed at Pambanar, near Peerumedu in Idukki, Kerala, around 3.30 a.m. on Thursday
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special arrangement

Officials said the under-construction building is situated in a valley area of Pambanar town. As there was no heavy rain in the area on the day of the incident, weather is not believed to be the primary cause of the collapse. Preliminary observations suggest that construction defects may have led to the incident.

Police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel arrived at the spot and evacuated nearby families.

An official said the exact cause of the collapse would be known only after a detailed inspection. Additionally, the Revenue Department will investigate whether the owner had obtained the required permits from the local body before starting construction.