Soil collapses at highway site in Indapur, at least three feared trapped under debris

A large quantity of soil caved in at a road construction site in Bijwadi village of Indapur taluka, on the Pune-Solapur National Highway, forcing an emergency rescue operation. At least three people are feared to be still buried under the debris.

Work to widen the highway was under way at the time. A large heap of loose soil came down without warning, burying people who were at the site. The sudden accident caused panic among the labourers working there and residents of the surrounding area.

On hearing of the accident, local people rushed to the spot and began removing soil to reach those buried in the debris. Two people have been pulled out safely. However, it is feared that three more may still be trapped inside.

Large numbers of local residents have gathered at the spot, and the search continues to establish whether anyone else is trapped. The rescue effort is focused on clearing the fallen soil and reaching those who may still be underneath.

The accident, at a road construction site in the Karkhana Pati area of Indapur in Pune, Maharashtra, has been described as a major one. Several labourers are feared trapped after a huge mound of sand or soil gave way, and a search and rescue operation is on.

At the time of reporting, it was not confirmed how many people in all were trapped or how many were injured. The exact number of those trapped and the condition of the injured are not yet clear. Updates will follow as the rescue work progresses.

Some concerns have also been raised about safety arrangements at highway construction sites after the accident.