India: At Least 12 Killed as Factory Wall Collapses

On Wednesday, at least 12 people died after a wall collapsed at a salt packaging factory in Gujarat, western India, according to police.

It is not clear why the 3.6 meters high wall collapsed, but the police are investigating the owner of the factory for negligence, according to AFP.

Police director Rahul Tripathi told the news agency that 12 people, including 5 women and 7 men were killed in the incident, and another person injured is undergoing treatment.

“The tragedy in Morbi caused by a wall collapse is heart-rending. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Local authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter.

The prime minister announced a compensation of rs 2 lakh ($2578) to the families of those who lost their lives.

Building collapses are common in India as owners ignore basic safety requirements and often work without permits. A fire in a commercial building for manufacturing “Wi-Fi” killed 27 in New Delhi.