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Six killed, many trapped as shed roof collapses

Special Correspondent

Incident occurred in grain, fruit market

CHANDIGARH: It was a Black Sunday as at least six persons were killed and more than 100 were trapped under debris when a 100-metre roof over a shed collapsed in the City Beautiful's biggest grain and wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Sector 26 here on Sunday evening.

Twelve persons who were rescued were rushed to the Sector 16 Hospital while the other medical institutions were alerted. Rescue operations are continuing in the night with the help of the Army.

According to eye-witnesses and the police, the market was heavily congested as people had started venturing out of their homes as mercury dipped slowly on one of the hottest days. It was being said that at least 500 people were present in the market when the tragedy occurred.

However, IG Police S.K.Jain said that most of the people had been pulled out and "there were only four-five people trapped inside.'' UT Home Secretary Krishna Mohan also claimed that far lesser people were trapped inside the debris.

Chaos prevailed as people ran helter-skelter for safety. Even as fire tenders and ambulances reached the spot from Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, help was called in from the Western Command authorities to rescue the trapped people. Several JCB machines were pressed into service but eye-witnesses said that few of these initially malfunctioned.

The police had barricaded several areas and traffic cops could be seen arguing with anxious relatives and bystanders who wanted to take their vehicles inside.

Eye-witnesses said that the tragedy could have been averted had the Administration listened to the grievances of the local traders that the nearly 30-year old buildings and sheds required extensive repairs. Local MP and Minister of State for Finance Pawan Kumar Bansal and former BJP MP Satya Pal Jain visited the spot.

An official spokesman announced a compensation of Rs. 2 lakh for the dead, Rs.50,000 for the injured and free treatment to all.

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