Four persons were killed, 12 injured and more than 20 people feared trapped after an under-construction five-storey building collapsed on an adjacent hostel in Bellary, Karnataka, the police said on Wednesday.

A rescued labourer told officials that approximately 15 to 20 persons were trapped under the debris. Screams for help by those trapped inside could be heard on the spot.

The deceased victims included Rudragowda, a 22-year-old student, who was staying in the hostel.

The Bellary city corporation has suspended two engineers on charges of dereliction of duty. In response to the plea by the district administration, a team of National Disaster Response Force from Pune and Madras Engineering Group army centre personnel from Baengaluru have been rushed to the spot for rescue operations.

Revenue Minister G Karunakara Reddy visited the spot today and announced Rs one lakh compensation to the families of the victims.