6 dead in building collapse in southwestern India

NEW DELHI, May 21 (Xinhua) -- At least six persons died and six others were injured when a portion of an old building collapsed in India's southwestern state of Maharashtra late on Tuesday night.

The incident occurred in Maharashtra's Kalyan East area when repair works were going on inside the building.

According to local media reports, while repair works were going on, a slab from the second floor of the four-storey building suddenly gave way and fell on the ground floor, trapping 12 people underneath.

While six died instantly, those injured were admitted to a local hospital. The rescue operation lasted for over three hours, said a cop.

After the incident, a notice was issued to the building's residents to get a structural audit (of the building) done as part of a precautionary measure before the monsoon season began.