Anuppur Building Collapse: 5 Rescued, 2 Dead; NDRF Intensifies Rescue Operation in Kotma

In a major update from Anuppur, rescue operations intensified after the collapse of the Agarwal Lodge building near the Kotma bus stand. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), arriving from Bhilai, along with SDRF and local authorities, have so far rescued five people from the debris. Officials confirmed that two of the rescued victims have died, while three injured persons were shifted to Shahdol Medical College for treatment. Earlier reports indicated four rescues with one fatality, but the situation has since evolved as operations continue and more details emerge from the site.

#WATCH | Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh: Several people are feared trapped under debris after a 4-story building collapsed in Anuppur district. Rescue operations are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/CHpwAHNawG

— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2026

Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh: An NDRF team from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, reached the Kotma Agrawal Lodge collapse site, rescuing five people so far, including two confirmed dead, while three were referred to Shahdol Medical College pic.twitter.com/iaEdurvqWL

— IANS (@ians_india) April 5, 2026

Providing an on-ground update from Kotma, Madhya Pradesh ministers Dilip Ahirwar confirmed that the administration is fully mobilised following directions from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Calling the incident tragic, Ahirwar stated that rescue teams are working continuously and that five people have already been pulled out, including two who succumbed to injuries. He assured that the remaining injured are undergoing treatment and that a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse will be conducted once rescue efforts are completed.

#WATCH | Kotma, Anuppur: Madhya Pradesh Minister Dilip Ahirwar says, "This is a very tragic incident...The Chief Minister has directed the administration and us as well...I and Madhya Pradesh Minister Dilip Jaiswal are present at the spot. The entire administration is deployed… https://t.co/xY0NbAAgmqpic.twitter.com/u2dWx3qBe7

— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2026

District Magistrate Harshal Pancholi reiterated that coordinated rescue operations are underway, involving NDRF, SDRF, and the district administration. He confirmed that five individuals have been rescued so far, with two fatalities and three currently under medical care. Pancholi added that authorities are working on a war footing and expect to complete the operation to retrieve any remaining trapped persons within the next few hours. He also emphasised that a formal probe has already been initiated to determine the reasons behind the structural failure.

#WATCH | Kotma, Madhya Pradesh: Anuppur District Magistrate Harshal Pancholi says, "5 people have been rescued, of which 2 have died, and 3 are undergoing treatment... The NDRF-SDRF team and district administration are engaged here in the rescue operation... The work of rescuing… https://t.co/xY0NbAAgmqpic.twitter.com/c32YX8PwGx

— ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2026

Initial reports suggested that a four-storey structure had collapsed, but later updates clarified that the incident involved a multi-storey Agarwal Lodge building, with several people feared trapped under the rubble. The collapse triggered panic in the surrounding area, prompting locals to rush to the site and assist in preliminary rescue and first aid efforts. Emergency services have placed nearby hospitals on high alert as injured victims continue to be brought in. The exact cause of the building collapse remains unknown, and authorities are awaiting further technical assessment.

In the latest developments, specialised rescue teams from South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), particularly from the Jamuna Kotma facility, have joined the operation with advanced machinery to accelerate debris clearance. Officials confirmed that modern equipment is being used to ensure swift and safe rescue efforts. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the loss of lives, describing the deaths as deeply distressing. He stated that all agencies, including the district administration, police, and SECL, are working in close coordination, while reaffirming that saving trapped individuals remains the top priority.

अनूपपुर जिले के कोतमा नगर पालिका क्षेत्र में होटल का भवन ढहने की दुर्घटना दुखद है। एक नागरिक की मौत होना पीड़ादायक है।

स्थानीय मंत्री, जिला प्रशासन, पुलिस एवं SECL द्वारा रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन जारी है। तीन नागरिकों को रेस्क्यू कर सकुशल निकाला गया है। NDRF की टीम मौके के लिए रवाना हो…

— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) April 4, 2026

Madhya Pradesh CM posted about the building collapse on X and stated, "The collapse of the hotel building in the Kotma Municipal Council area of Anuppur district is tragic. The death of a citizen is heart-wrenching. Rescue operations are ongoing by the local minister, district administration, police, and SECL. Three citizens have been rescued and safely evacuated. The NDRF team has already departed for the site. Instructions have been issued to the in-charge minister Shri Dilip Ahirwar Ji and officials to immediately reach the spot and ensure relief and treatment. I pray to God to grant a place at His divine feet to the departed soul and provide strength to the bereaved family to bear this sorrow. I wish for the swift recovery of the injured."