Hyderabad:Residents of Jayadarsini Residency, whose C Block was damaged, and those in an adjacent apartment in Whitefields said they were left shaken after a seven‑storey under‑construction building collapsed on Saturday afternoon. They expressed concern over the safety of several multi‑storeyed structures in the locality. As a precaution, residents of the affected block were asked to vacate.

“We heard a loud sound around 1 pm and rushed out to see the building had collapsed. A person on the fourth floor of our block was injured after debris fell on him and was shifted to hospital. We were lucky it happened in the afternoon. Had it occurred in the evening, the damage could have been greater,” a resident said.

Another resident said the impact felt like tremors. “It was like an earthquake. My uncle, who was inside, also felt the tremors. We immediately rushed downstairs,” he said.

Residents noted that relatively few people were inside at the time, which prevented a larger tragedy. “We cannot imagine what would have happened if this had occurred in the evening or at night when children were playing or people were at home. Authorities should act against such structures,” said a resident of A Block.

A resident of the damaged building questioned how such a multi‑storeyed structure could be built on a small plot. “More floors have been constructed on just 40–50 square yards. There are several such buildings here. Why are officials allowing this and who is giving permissions,” he asked. Another resident said construction had stopped for a few days before resuming. “Such projects should be identified and action taken before another incident occurs,” she said.

A flat owner on the first floor of C Block said his bedroom and kitchen were damaged. He was inside with his elderly parents when the collapse occurred. “Authorities should take action against the builder. Officials assured us debris will be cleared and the structural condition assessed,” he said.

A watchman said the building collapsed suddenly and residents were alerted immediately. Apartment association president Ramakrishna of B Block said HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath assured residents that nearby buildings with additional floors would be inspected. “Officials were shocked to see the extent of damage inside. They said a report would be prepared on the structural condition and decisions taken accordingly. Debris removal and search for bodies will take two to three days,” he said.

Residents urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive inspection of multi‑storeyed structures built on small plots and take preventive action wherever violations or risks are found.

Meanwhile, rescue operations are underway at the collapse site on the Anjaiahnagar border, with multiple emergency teams working amid congestion. Large portions of the building were reduced to rubble, with slabs, bricks, steel rods and wires exposed. NDRF, SDRF, DRF, GHMC, HYDRAA and Fire Services personnel continued debris removal and rescue. Narrow approach roads made access difficult, forcing rescuers to carry equipment on foot.

Personnel in protective gear worked close to the rubble, while police cordoned off the area. A victim‑location system was deployed to detect signs of persons trapped. Teams searched inch by inch through the collapsed structure as operations focused on locating anyone still trapped.