Alert residents prevent disaster

TIRUPATHI: A threestoried building in Singalagunta area in the town collapsed on Friday, reportedly due to weak foundation. However, no casualties or injuries were reported as the alert residents had escaped in time when they noticed widening cracks in the walls.
According to sources, the building was constructed in 1985 but the owner Venkatesh Achary added two more floors later. However when residents noticed wide cracks appearing, they removed all the gas cylinders and also saw that the power to the building was disconnected, before running to safety. Thus, no one was injured when the building collapsed and damage was limited to furniture.