Gujarat: 12 labourers die as factory wall collapses in Morbi
At least 12 labourers lost their lives after a factory wall collapsed in Gujarat's Morbi on Wednesday afternoon. The incident took place at Sagar Salt Factory inside the Halvad industrial area under the limits of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).
Several people are feared to be trapped under debris. The local administration rushed to the site soon after it learnt about the tragic incident. Efforts are underway to rescue others who might have been trapped under the debris.
State Labour and Employment Minister and local MLA Brijesh Merja confirmed that 12 died at the salt factory after a wall collapsed. "All efforts are underway to rescue others. Government stands with the families of the deceased," he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed anguish over the tragic incident and offered condolences to the families of the victims.
"The tragedy in Morbi caused by a wall collapse is heart-rending. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Local authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected," he said.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that Rs 2 lakh each from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragedy in Morbi. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He announced an assistance of Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
