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Building collapses in India, killing at least 11

August 7, 2015

Authorities say at least 11 people were killed after a wall collapsed crushing a group of workers. The tragedy highlights India's appalling worker safety record.

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Indien Arbeiter in einer Ziegelfabrik 12.01.2015
Image: Reuters/N. Chitrakar

Most of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene Friday after a wall gave way at a stone-crushing factory in the Narnaul district of Haryana state. Thirteen people were also reported injured.

"The wall, which was about 20-25 feet (6-7.6 meters) high, collapsed on top of them," Tanya Singh, the district's deputy superintendent of police, told AFP. "By the time we reached the site, 10 were already dead and another laborer died in hospital."

Accidents on construction sites are common in India, where high demand for housing and lax regulations have encouraged many firms to cut corners, use substandard materials or add extra floors without authorization.

Earlier this week 12 people were killed in Mumbai after a building collapsed, one of many such incidents in recent years.

jar/bk (AFP, AP)