Thiruvananthapuram | Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday termed the landslide in Wayanad "tragic and shocking" and sought a probe to ascertain whether any lapses or "criminal negligence" in taking preventive measures led to the incident.

In a statement, Vijayan said that the disaster at the construction site of the Anakkompoyil–Meppadi tunnel, which connects the districts of Wayanad and Kozhikode, was "extremely tragic and shocking".

He said urgent steps should be taken to rescue people trapped under the debris and to provide free medical treatment to those injured.

He also extended his support to the rescue efforts being carried out by the government and the Disaster Management Authority.

Vijayan conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster and urged the government to provide immediate financial assistance to their next of kin.

He further demanded a thorough investigation to determine whether there had been any lapse or criminal negligence on the part of those responsible for taking preventive measures to avert such an incident.

According to details provided by the CM, one person was killed, seven were injured, and seven others were missing in the landslide at Kalladi.