An overloaded scaffolding at an under-construction building collapsed here today, injuring at least 17 people, police said.

Those present there said as the supporting pillars gave way unable to withstand the weight, the entire floor crashed. While 200 workers were involved in the construction, only 30 of them were present at the accident site.

While most of the workers escaped with minor injuries, eight were trapped under the debris. On information, fire service personnel from Teynampet and Guindy rushed to the spot and rescued them.

Some labourers were suspected to be trapped under the debris. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force have joined the search and rescue operations, police said.

As many as 10 ambulances were pressed into service and the injured were rushed to the nearby Apollo hospital and government hospitals in Saidapet, Perungudi and Royapettah.

Out of the 12 injured persons who were brought to Royapettah, around 10 of them are being treated as inpatients.

Hospital sources said that one victim had fractured his leg, and another had sustained head injuries. All the victims hail from Odisha and other states.

Teynampet fire officer Murali said that the debris from the mishap had extended to the road and earthmovers were deployed to remove them. The collapsed building was being constructed as a parking lot to an existing constriction of a private firm.