Owner of collapsed house jailed

The Nolambur police on Friday arrested a 52-year-old man, owner of a two-storey house that partially collapsed, killing a 48-year-old woman and injuring two others on Thursday in Mogappair.

On Thursday, the ceiling above the balcony of first floor of the house located in Karnan Street, collapsed. Lakshmi, 48, a flower vendor, who lived on the first floor, was killed on the spot. Her husband Natrajan, who was sitting behind her, and a motorist, who was moving on the street, were injured.

The incident occurred when she was stringing flowers with her grandchild on her lap. As soon as she spotted cracks on the top, Lakshmi hugged the child. The child escaped unhurt and but Lakshmi died.

Udayakumar, 52, the owner of house, was arrested by police on charges of causing death due to negligence. He has been lodged in Central Prison.