Fatal building collapse in India

At least four people were feared dead and many others wounded when a building caved in suddenly in Bellary city in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.

The five-storey building was under construction when it collapsed on Tuesday night, police said.

A rescued labourer said 15 to 20 people were still trapped under the debris, police said.

It is not yet known what caused the accident, but some reports blame it on weak foundations.

The incident took place around 8:30 pm local time (1500G) when workers were having dinner on the ground floor, according to reports.

A boys' hostel situated next to the building was also damaged when a portion of the building fell on the hostel.

Reports said one of the dead was a student staying in the hostel.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with excavators trying to remove the debris and find more survivors.

A disaster management team from India's western city of Pune is expected to arrive in Bellary on Wednesday to help with the rescue.

The state government has announced compensation of 100,000 rupees ($2,150) to the families of those killed.

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