CHENNAI: A major part of Chennai Silks, the multi-storied retailer that was ravaged by a fire, collapsed on Saturday morning when demolition workers were on site. However, no death or injuries were reported.
The building, which was soaked in light showers from last night, had weakened, according to local police officials. About one half of the front portion of the building collapsed with debris falling on the neighbouring buildings.
A branch of State Bank of Travancore (now SBI), is among one of the buildings on which the debris fell. The extent of damage, caused by the collapse, to other nearby buildings, remains unknown. The collapse also sent dust flying in all directions.
“When the building collapsed, the air was thick. As it rained last night, dust was wet and subsided quickly,” said Manikandan M, a tailor who works in T Nagar.
The contractors engaged in demolition work were mostly involved in removing the debris from the collapse. The demolition took place at a slow pace on Saturday. “It may take a few days before the demolition is fully complete and the traffic resumes,” said a local traffic police officer.