Ayodhya: At least 5 dead as building collapses after explosion; several feared trapped

NEW DELHI: At least 5 people were killed in Uttar Pradesh 's Ayodhya after a building collapsed following a powerful explosion.

According to police, several people are still feared trapped under the debris as rescue operations are under way.

"Five people have died in the explosion, a few have been injured, and efforts are on to rescue those trapped. The cause of the blast is not yet clear," Circle Officer Shailendra Singh told news agency PTI.

Upon receiving information about the incident, the police, the fire department and the local administration teams rushed to the spot.

Meanwhile, officials have appealed to residents to stay away from the accident site to facilitate rescue efforts. Senior police and administrative officers are supervising the operation and have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.

Rescue workers have been using excavators to clear the rubble, while nearby houses have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives.

According to an official statement, the chief minister has directed senior officials to rush to the spot, ensure proper medical treatment for the injured, and personally oversee the ongoing rescue and relief operations.