Two persons were killed and 13 injured when the roof of Chandigarh's biggest vegetable market collapsed on Sunday evening while at least 50 persons had a narrow escape.

Two bodies had been pulled out of the debris after a section of the 100-metre concrete roof of the wholesale market gave way at around 5 pm , Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh told reporters.

"As of now only two are dead," Home Secretary Krishna Mohan said on Sunday night adding, that the search operation is almost over. Mohan said 13 persons were "critically trapped" before they were rescued.

Earlier,Inspector General of Police (Chandigarh) S K Jain had said four persons were killed in the mishap.

Of the 13 injured, two are in a serious condition. The injured were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital and nine were discharged after first aid.

Army's assistance was also sought and they pressed into service special cutting equipment to rescue the trapped.

State government announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of each of the dead and Rs 15,000 to the injured.

Preliminary reports said that 50 to 100 persons may have been trapped. Rescue operations with the help of fire tenders and giant excavators were made difficult due to the presence of hundreds of curious onlookers.

The Chandigarh administration has announced an inquiry into the mishap and will look into lapses if any. There were complaints that the 30-year-old shed housing the vegetable market was not properly maintained.