Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jul 20: A building collapsed in the early hours of Sunday, July 19 which is said to be of the Portuguese-era adjacent to the Azad Maidan. According to sources, three people who were trapped were unhurt and rescued successfully.

The collapse damaged the Prakash Lodge & Cafe, much sought among the city's oldies and often visited by media persons, politicos and social activists.

The tenant, Prakash Sakhalkar said, "At about 2:45 am, I received a call about the incident. Immediately, I reached the spot, informed police and fire services."

"The rescued were from other states and have been residing for the last two months. They chose to stay at the lodge since it was in the proximity of their workplace," Sakhalkar said.

Sakhalkar said that his father had set up the business 70 years back and that it is now being handled by his son.

He said that the CCP must take care of the old buildings in the city.

The CCP said that the debris could not be cleared due to the unavailability of an excavator on Sunday.