• Source:JND
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Kerala: Three migrant workers died and several feared trapped after a 40-year-old two-storey building collapsed near Kodakara on Friday morning. The deceased have been identified as Rahul (19), Rupel (21) and Aleem (30), all from West Bengal.

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The century-old building, constructed from laterite stones and used to house migrant workers, was located near the Kodakara panchayat office. It reportedly collapsed around 6 am, just as the workers were preparing to leave for work. Continuous heavy rainfall in recent days is believed to have weakened the structure, causing it to give way.

According to locals, 17 workers were residing in the building. Upon hearing a loud cracking sound, 14 of them managed to escape. However, as Rahul, Rupel, and Aleem tried to flee, the front portion of the concrete structure collapsed, trapping them beneath the debris.

Rescue efforts were launched immediately by fellow workers and local residents. Due to the building's limited access, restricted to a narrow path behind several commercial establishments, fire and rescue teams had to demolish a nearby compound wall to bring in equipment. Rupel was found dead at the scene, while Rahul, though rescued alive, succumbed to his injuries at a nearby private hospital. Aleem’s body was recovered after nearly three hours of search operations.

According to The Hindu report, District Collector Arjun Pandian and MLA K.K. Ramachandran visited the site to assess the situation. Chalakudy DySP P.C. Bijukumar, along with personnel from the Kodakara and Puthukkad police stations and fire units from both areas, led the coordinated rescue operation.

Public Education and Employment Minister V. Sivankutty has directed the Labour Commissioner to conduct a detailed investigation into the building collapse in Kodakara, Thrissur, which claimed the lives of three guest workers. "The Labour Department will take necessary steps to repatriate the bodies to their native places," the minister’s office stated.

“Around 6 am., the structure collapsed. The entire rescue operation lasted approximately two and a half hours,” a police official told news agency PTI.

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The bodies have been placed at Kodakara Shanti Hospital. Arrangements are underway to send them to their native places following post-mortem procedures.

“Several fire and rescue personnel, along with two JCBs, were used to remove the rubble and assist in the rescue,” the officer added.