Web desk(National Times)- Nine workers were killed at a waste-to-energy plant in western India after a garbage heap collapsed onto an administrative building following heavy rains, the facility\u2019s operator said on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building and construction accidents are common during India\u2019s June-to-September monsoon season, with old and rickety structures buckling after prolonged downpours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The accident occurred last Wednesday at the Antony Waste plant on the outskirts of Pune, when thousands of tonnes of waste from a nearby landfill gave way, trapping 23 people inside the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe incident, triggered by incessant rains causing thousands of tonnes of waste from an adjacent landfill to destabilise, severely damaged the structure where 23 personnel were present,\u201d the company said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nine were killed and the other 14 were rescued alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rescue efforts were hampered by the rain as workers struggled to reach those buried under debris, according to plant officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operations at the plant have been temporarily suspended pending structural and safety assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in India, the world\u2019s most populous country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n