LAHORE, Aug 20: Two people were killed when a multi-storey under-construction plaza collapsed in the densely-populated area of Mochi Gate here on Saturday, civil defence officials said.

Those killed have been identified as Umar, 25, and Maqbool, 18, both welders, who were working at the site when the building caved in.

Rescue teams, including 1122, Edhi and workers of other emergency units took part in the relief operation.

Building owner Saeed Jat told the district administration that he had engaged a local contractor who had earlier constructed a number of plazas around Circular Road, Lohari Gate and other parts of the walled city.

The use of substandard material is stated to be the cause of the collapse.

Emergency services said three multi-storey dilapidated buildings adjacent to the collapsed plaza, had been evacuated by the local government as a preventive measure.—APP