An old water tank collapsed while being demolished at Kollengode in Palakkad district on Monday (August 10, 2026), damaging a nearby house and the village office. Part of the house and the office wall and gate were damaged. A nearby electricity pole also fell.

Several people and vehicles were in the area, but no one was injured.

The tank was being brought down with machinery in a planned direction when it suddenly collapsed in the opposite direction. Concrete debris and dust spread across the area.

‘Lack of precautions’

Power supply was disconnected after the electricity pole fell. The incident raised questions over safety measures during the demolition. Residents alleged that adequate precautions and warnings were not provided despite the presence of a house, government office, people and vehicles nearby. The contractor was also accused of failing to inform local panchayat authorities about the demolition.

The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has issued a show-cause notice to the contractor over alleged violations of safety guidelines.

The tank had been built to supply water from Meenkara dam to the Kollengode area. Construction began in 1992 and was completed in 2004. It was later found to be structurally weak and was scheduled for demolition.

Published - August 10, 2026 08:19 pm IST