An unusual scene unfolded in Agra after a portion of a Canara Bank branch building collapsed in the Belanganj area, triggering a rush of people searching the debris for money.
The branch had been operating for around 40 years. Nearby, a pit was dug to a depth of about 40 feet for the construction of a commercial complex, which reportedly weakened the bank structure and led to the collapse.
As the incident occurred around midday, the bank did not have a large number of customers inside, helping avert major casualties. Soon after, rumours spread that large sums of cash were trapped under the rubble.
Residents from surrounding localities arrived with sacks and began combing through the debris. Bank officials alerted the police, who reached the spot, dispersed the crowd and took control of the area.
Officials said Rs 25 lakh was safely recovered from the debris and shifted to another branch. Rescue personnel also drilled into trapped lockers and secured the jewellery and documents stored inside.
