Two Killed, 12 Rescued After Under-Construction Church Roof Collapses in Vellore

Two workers died and twelve others were rescued after the concrete roof of an under-construction church collapsed in Tamil Nadu's Vellore district on Tuesday evening.

The structure, belonging to the Church of South India (CSI), is located at Mandi Krishnapuram near Katpadi. The roof gave way while concrete was being poured, trapping several workers beneath the concrete and debris.

More than 14 workers are believed to have been at the site at the time of the accident. Twelve people were pulled out alive and rushed to hospitals for treatment. Four of the injured were taken to Vellore Government Hospital.

Among three others being shifted to CMC Hospital, one person died on the way. A second body was later recovered from the debris, taking the death toll to two.

Vellore Collector Leela Alex said authorities suspect one more person could still be trapped under the fallen concrete. "We suspect one more person could be trapped in the concrete that fell. All others rescued are safe," she said, adding that a team of NDRF personnel would join the rescue operation shortly.

The site lies close to the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border, and personnel from the police, fire and rescue services and revenue departments of both states have been involved in the operation.

The Collector said the contractors involved in the construction are also currently hospitalised. An inquiry will be conducted into the collapse, and appropriate action will be taken based on its findings.

Officials will also verify whether all necessary permissions had been obtained for the construction of the church. The district administration said steps will be taken to provide relief to the families of those killed as well as those injured in the accident.