2 dead, several feared trapped as three-storey building collapses in Kota

A late-night tragedy unfolded in Rajasthan’s Kota on Saturday as a three-storey building housing a restaurant collapsed suddenly in the Talwandi area, killing at least two people and sparking frantic rescue efforts amid fears that several others remain trapped under the debris.

Police, civil administration officials and rescue teams rushed to the site soon after the collapse and launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation. According to initial information, customers and staff were present inside the restaurant when the building gave way without warning.

Describing the incident as a “major accident”, Rajasthan cabinet minister Madan Dilawar said two deaths had been confirmed so far, while nine people were taken to hospitals.

“Four injured persons are still undergoing treatment, while around four others have either shifted to private hospitals or returned home after receiving medical care,” he said, adding that rescue operations were continuing.

Local MLA Sandeep Sharma, who reached the spot shortly after the incident, said the structure collapsed abruptly and cautioned that more people could still be trapped beneath the rubble. “Some people have already been pulled out, and rescue work is ongoing,” he said.

District collector Piyush Samaria said emergency teams were mobilised immediately after authorities received information about the collapse. “Rescue operations were started without delay. Five people have been rescued and shifted to hospitals so far. At this stage, it is not possible to confirm how many people may still be trapped,” he told reporters.

The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, and officials said a detailed investigation has been ordered as rescue teams continue to sift through the debris late into the night.

With PTI inputs