Chennai building collapse: death toll rises to 42

Official says 20-25 people could still be trapped under the debris

The death toll in the collapse of an under-construction 11 storeyed building near suburban Porur climbed to 42 today, a senior state government official said.

Of the 42 deceased persons, 28 were men and the rest women, Director of Public Health K Kulandaisamy said.

A total of 69 persons have been pulled out from under the debris of the collapsed structure by rescue personnel since Saturday when the mishap occurred, he said.

Meanwhile, another official, who did not want to be named, said it was feared that another 20-25 persons could be trapped under the debris, even as multi-agency rescue efforts were on in full swing.