Daijiworld Media Network - Dharwad(DC)

Dharwad, Mar 21: The death toll in Dharwad building collapse has risen to seven and as many as 60 trapped under the debris have been rescued so far.

Revenue minister RV Deshpande who visited the site on Wednesday said that government will initiate an inquiry and those injured will be treated free of cost.

Indian Air Force on Wednesday evening airlifted two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Hubballi to undertake rescue operations after an under-construction building collapsed at Dharwad. The airlift of the NDRF teams was carried using strategic transport aircraft C-130J Super Hercules.

Meanwhile, chief minister HD Kumaraswamy said rescue efforts will be conducted on a war footing and urged locals not to panic.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are engaged in the rescue operation.

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.