12 Killed after Wall Collapse at Indian Salt Factory

At least 12 people were killed after a wall at a salt packaging factory collapsed on Wednesday in India's western state of Gujarat, police said, reports AFP.

It was unclear what caused the 3.6-metre high wall to come down but police said they will be investigating the owner of the site for negligence.  

The tragedy in Morbi caused by a wall collapse is heart-rending. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Local authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 18, 2022

"12 people including five women and seven men have died in the incident. One person injured in the accident is under treatment," police superintendent Rahul Tripathi told AFP. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is from Gujarat, called the incident at the Sagar Salt factory in the industrial area of Havald town a "heart-rending" tragedy.

"In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Local authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected," he said on Twitter.

Modi also announced 200,000 rupees ($2,578) compensation for the families of those who lost their lives.

Factory accidents are common across India, with owners ignoring basic safety requirements and often operating without permits. 

Last week, 27 people died in a fire at a commercial building manufacturing Wi-Fi routers in New Delhi.