Following the collapse of a construction building in North Karnataka’s Dharwad district earlier today, one person has been reported dead while six people have been severely injured. Several others are feared to be trapped in the debris.

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy stated on Twitter, “Shocked to learn about the collapse of an under-construction building in Dharwad. I have instructed the Chief Secretary to supervise rescue operations. I have also directed the CS to send additional resources and expert rescuers by a special flight to Dharwad. The rescue operation is on and five people have been extricated, so far, from the debris. I have instructed the concerned officials to be on location.”

The rescue operations at the site are currently underway. 3 fire engines, 4 JCBs, and 10 ambulances are apparently present at the spot, while the injured people are being shifted to a hospital. The building is owned by a relative of former Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni, according to reports.