9 dead as the bus stand roof collapse in Coimbatore

Coimbatore: Nine killed and over 20 trapped in debris when the roof of a bus stand collapsed in Somanur here today.

While about 10 people were rescued from the debris following the incident, fire and rescue services personnel and eyewitnesses said that some more people could be still trapped under the debris.

Eyewitnesses said the concrete ceiling of the bus stand for a length of about 50 foot collapsed, trapping men and women waiting for buses. Three ambulances rushed to the spot and took the injured to private hospitals and Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital.

Residents of Somanur said the roof had weakened after the recent spells of rain. “Water was dripping from the roof and the cement plastering was coming off in the past few days,” said an elderly man.

A portion of the bus was damaged following the incident. The deceased are yet to be identified, police said.