Dharwad, Mar 20 (IANS): The toll in the collapse of a multi-storey commercial building under construction in Karnataka's Dharwad on Tuesday rose to five, police said on Wednesday.

Five people were killed in the Tuesday disaster and 55 people were rescued, Director General of Police for Fire and Emergency Services M.N. Reddi said.

Rescuers were still searching for people who may be trapped under the debris.

Of the rescued, some received serious injuries and were being treated at hospitals.

A magisterial inquiry, to be headed by a Deputy Commissioner, has been ordered to ascertain the reason for the accident.

A case has also been registered against the building owners, police said.

Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire and emergency services are undertaking the rescue work.

"...The NDRF has already undertaken the rescue ops. My thoughts are with families who lost their loves ones in this accident and prayers for the quick recovery of the injured," Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.