15 injured in Pakistan building collapse

A three-storey wedding hall building collapsed during renovation in Pakistan occupied Kashmir's Mirpur district, injuring at least 15 labourers and leaving dozens of others trapped, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner of Mirpur Raja Tahir Mumtaz told Xinhua news agency that the labourers were renovating the marriage hall when it came crashing down on Friday, pinning them beneath falling slabs of concrete.

More than 40 people mostly labourers are feared to still be trapped inside the collapsed building including the owner and manager of the marriage hall, said the official, adding that "a search and rescue operation is currently underway".

There was not any wedding event at the building as it was closed for all kinds of ceremonies as part of the government's measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Mumtaz added.

Following the incident, rescue teams along with local authorities reached the area and are working to rescue those who are stuck under the collapsed building.

Local residents are also assisting authorities in the rescue operation.

Pakistani army troops and helicopters have also been sent to the area to help with the rescue activities.

Police told local media that the reason behind the collapse is not clear yet.