Balasore: At least four persons were killed and 18 others injured when a temple under construction at Salabani, about nine km from here, suddenly collapsed this morning (Mar 12, 2004), police said.

"We have found four bodies while the search was continuing," police said.

Seven of the seriously injured had been shifted to the district hospital for treatment while others were discharged after being administered first-aid.

There were about 30-40 people working at the site when the mishap occurred.

The sources said the rescue operation at the site of the mishap, located along the NH-5, was continuing with the help of police and local people.

Dumpers and bulldozers, being used for the widening of the NH-5 under the golden quadrilateral project, had been engaged to clear the debris.

Pradipta Panda, the local CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly), who was present at the site demanded a high-level inquiry as to whether permission for the construction of such a tall structure at the site had been obtained.