Puducherry: Elderly man dies after factory wall collapses

Puducherry, Aug 7 (IANS) An older man lost his life on Thursday after a factory compound wall collapsed near the Mettupalayam lorry terminal in Puducherry following heavy rains.

The wall, measuring approximately 25 feet in length and 15 feet in height, gave way and fell on three individuals, vendors running a small roadside eatery and their customers, trapping them under the debris. Witnesses reported hearing screams as bystanders rushed to alert authorities.

Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services, the Public Works Department (PWD) and the police arrived promptly at the site.

Firefighters and police used fire tenders, ambulances and JCB machinery to extricate the victims.

While two women were rescued alive and taken to the government hospital for treatment, the older man succumbed to his injuries.

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy visited the site soon after the incident to inspect the area and review the rescue operations. District Collector Kulothungan, Minister Sivakolundhu, and MLAs A.K.D. Arumugam and Azhaganantham accompanied the Chief Minister.

Rescue operations have now concluded, with officials confirming that three people were trapped in the debris.

Two were rescued, while one fatality was reported.

The incident has caused a major stir in the locality, with residents expressing concern over safety standards in industrial areas, especially during the monsoon season.

–IANS

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