Nagpur: More than 15 people were injured when part of an under-construction structure gave way during the building of a gate on the Khaparkheda–Koradi Temple route in Nagpur.

The mishap occurred during work being undertaken for the Koradi temple project under the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA). While some workers were initially feared trapped, no fatalities have been reported, reported India Today.

Officials said 15–16 people suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospitals for treatment. Machinery is being used to clear the debris, according to the report.

India Today quoted a local eyewitness Ratnadeep Rangari as saying: “We rescued 9 people. They have sustained injuries and have been taken to hospitals. People fell down when the slab collapsed. They were covered in blood.”

NMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sanjay Meena stated, “15–16 people were injured. There are no grievous injuries. They are in hospital. Construction work of Koradi temple was ongoing here. Contractors under NMRDA were working here. How this happened can be spoken about only after a complete inquiry. We will have a detailed inquiry. There are no casualties so far.”

According to the report, Inspector Krupal Mule of the 5 Battalion NDRF said, “When the team of 5 Battalion NDRF reached here, the structure had completely collapsed. When we asked, we were told that everyone who was working here were injured but all of them were rescued.

"Nobody was found trapped here. We first conducted a physical search here, followed by a canine search. There doesn't seem to be anyone trapped here so far, but we will first have to clear the debris, and only after that can a comment be made.

"It is being said that construction work was ongoing and due to vibrations of equipment, it all collapsed at once. There is a 4–5 ft tall pile of debris here.”

Nagpur Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy said, “Debris is being removed. Around 15 people who were injured have been shifted to hospital. All of them are stable.”