More than 15 people were killed when part of a flyover under construction collapsed in India's southern IT hub of Hyderabad yesterday evening.Ten people were also injured in the mishap, which occurred in the busy Nagarjuna Circle area in the heart of the Andhra Pradesh capital amid heavy rains.

Huge concrete slabs and equipment fell on the vehicles passing on either side of the Punjagutta flyover.

The flyover, which was being constructed with sophisticated construction technology of pre-stressed concrete moulds since September 2005, was due to be inaugurated in December this year.

More than 10 cars, three auto rickshaws and a few two-wheelers were crushed under the collapsed portion of the flyover.

Some pedestrians, who were standing under the flyover to protect themselves from rains, were also feared trapped.

Continuing rains are hampering the rescue efforts.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy expressed deep shock over the mishap.

The flyover is aimed at decongesting one of the busiest commercial areas in the city.

It is coming up on the road that connects the Begumpet airport to the Hitec City that houses a number of IT and BPO firms.

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Hayderabad, India.