At least nine workers were killed when a massive heap of waste collapsed at a waste-to-energy plant on the outskirts of Pune, in India’s western Maharashtra state. The incident occurred on Wednesday after heavy rainfall caused thousands of tons of waste from a nearby landfill to fall onto the plant’s administrative building. Operator Antony Waste said 23 workers were trapped inside the building when the collapse occurred.

Rescue teams recovered nine bodies after a prolonged operation, while 14 others were rescued alive. Continuous rain hampered the rescue efforts, and plant authorities reported severe difficulties in reaching those trapped under the debris. The plant’s operations have been temporarily suspended pending structural and safety assessments.

The report notes that such accidents are common during India’s monsoon season, which runs from June to September, as prolonged rainfall weakens older structures. Scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in India, and meteorologists fear that a strong El Niño this year could further disrupt normal weather patterns.