MP lodge collapse toll rises to two; NDRF continues rescue ops
Anuppur (MP)(PTI): The death toll from the collapse of a four-storey lodge in Madhya Pradesh’s Anuppur district rose to two, as NDRF teams continued their operation to rescue those trapped under the debris, police said on Sunday.
‘Aggarwal Lodge', a building located near a bus stand in Kotma town, collapsed around 5.30 pm on Saturday, trapping several people in the vicinity.
An official said the death toll has now risen to two, and five others are injured, of whom two are in a critical condition and have been sent to Shahdol for treatment.
The deceased were identified as Hanuman Deen Yadav (55) and Ramkripal Yadav (50), Anuppur Superintendent of Police Moti Ur Rahman said.
He said that the rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), conducted an overnight operation, and a search is underway for others trapped in the debris.
The ongoing construction work near the 10-year-old building is suspected to have contributed to the collapse, the SP said.
Anuppur Collector Harshal Pancholi said that five people were extricated from the debris, of which two have died.
According to eyewitnesses, a loud explosion sounded as the building collapsed, sending a cloud of dust engulfing the area.
The bus stand area was teeming with commuters at the time of the incident, and construction work was underway on a nearby plot of land, they said.
Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister and Minister in-charge of Anuppur district, Dilip Ahirwar, and Minister of Cottage and Village Industries, Dilip Jaiswal, visited the site late on Saturday night, along with senior officials, and supervised the relief and rescue operations.
Speaking to reporters, Ahirwar assured that every aspect of the accident would be investigated and action would be taken against those responsible.
He said that the state government's priority is to safely rescue those trapped in the debris and provide them with proper treatment.
#WATCH | Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh: NDRF team, along with sniffer dogs, conduct search and rescue operations to extricate people trapped in the debris of the building that collapsed in Kotma
— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2026
As of now, two people have died following the collapse of the 4-storey building in Kotma,… https://t.co/g1ZTh7JrNe pic.twitter.com/0fBnqnmehf
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Easter celebrated with zeal across Goa; devotees throng churches
Panaji (PTI): Goa erupted in festive joy on Sunday, as thousands of devotees thronged churches and chapels across the coastal state to celebrate Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ with midnight vigils and traditional feasts.
From the historic cathedrals of Old Goa to small chapels in Salcete and Bardez, thousands of devotees attended midnight and morning services to witness the blessing of the Paschal candle, marking the end of the 40-day Lenten fast.
In many villages, the festival also heralds the season of feasts in churches and community festivities, a cherished cultural tradition in the coastal state.
Streets around major churches teemed with vehicles, causing heavy traffic as worshippers and visitors attended services.
Priests, in their Easter homilies, emphasised hope, renewal and compassion, urging the faithful to carry the spirit of sacrifice and resurrection into their daily lives.
Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant extended warm greetings to the people of Goa.
Easter symbolises hope, renewal and the triumph of life over adversity, Raju said.
The governor, in his message, stated that the festival commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, reminding people of the values of compassion, forgiveness and faith, which are essential for building a harmonious and inclusive society.
The chief minister described Easter as a celebration of new beginnings, brotherhood and humanity.
The festival carries a deeper message of faith and hope, he said, appealing to the people to live out that message through acts of love and service.
VIDEO | Goa: Midnight Easter mass held at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 5, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/rTSrWuaKae
