ITAHARI: The death toll in the burning chimney collapse that occurred at the New Jaya Nepal brick kiln at Itahari Sub-Metropolis-16 has reached eight till Monday morning.

Police said that the toll increased after the demise of Mustafa Alam Miya at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, last night.

Earlier, the police had confirmed the identity of the other deceased as Indian nationals Garibalal Paswan (50), Mithilesh Paswan (35), Salun Miya (16), Sagdam Hussain (15), and Rahul (12) from Bihar along with Galadidevi Chaudhary (60) of Ekamba area of Itahari-16 and Shiva Narayan Chaudhary of Pakali of Itahari-20.

Their bodies are being kept at the BP Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan. Those who trapped under the debris of the chimney were rescued with help of an excavator, the police and locals, said Inspector Karki.

Out of the24 injured, 17 are reported to be critical and are being treated in different hospitals.

The workers with minor injuries were sent to health centres and institutes in Inaruwa and Itahari.

Police assumed the technical fault related to the erection of the chimney as the reason for the tragedy.

Investigations into the incident have been launched, police said.

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