Ceiling collapse at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital in Bhopal, several including patients trapped

A portion of the two-storied Kasturba Gandhi Hospital collapsed in Bhopal this evening and several people including patients were suspected to be trapped under the debris.

The women's ward of the over 60-year-old hospital caved in around 5 pm and an unspecified number of patients, including women patients, were suspected to be trapped, Madhya Pradesh Urban Administration and Development Minister, Babulal Gaur said from the spot.

A rescue operation has been launched and some patients have been pulled out of the debris alive, he said adding, the exact number of people trapped inside was not yet known.

Earth moving machines and equipment have been pressed into service to clear the rubble and pull out those trapped, he said.