Dhenkanal: In a tragic incident, wall of an abandoned rice mill collapsed at Alasua market on the outskirts of Odisha's Dhenkanal town today killing four persons and leaving five others critically injured.

The deceased have been identified as Rama Chandra Patra, Abhimanyu Biswal, Mayadhar Mallick and Sangram Sahu. Several two-wheelers were also damaged in the incident.

The wall collapsed when trading was underway at a weekly vegetable market this morning. The four, who were sitting near the wall, were crushed to death under the debris.

On being informed, ODRAF and Fire Services personnel reached the spot and initiated rescue operation. The injured ones have been admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital.

Dhenkanal Collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25,000 each to the next of kin of the deceased. Following the mishap, the district administration razed all walls at the market which were in a dilapidated condition.

"We are conducting inquiry into how the wall caved in. Notices will be served to all the parties and action as deemed necessary will be taken," the official said.