Delhi: Three dead, several trapped as Azad Market building collapses
A four-story building under construction at Azad Market in Delhi collapsed on Friday morning reportedly killing at least three people while five others were rescued. Several people are feared trapped under the debris as around 15 laborers were in the building when it came down. As many as four fire tenders were rushed to the spot immediately, said the fire department.
Injured were rushed to the hospital with rescue work underway
Narrow streets make it difficult for rescue operations
Eyewitnesses said children, who were passing near the building to go to school, are also suspected to be trapped under the rubble. As the site of the incident, Sheesh Mahal, is a residential area with congested streets, rescue workers are struggling to get excavators inside to remove the debris. Locals are engaged in rescue operations along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team.
Neighboring homes evacuated for safety
The building is said to be constructed illegally and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has allegedly not taken any action. At least 11 homes are inches from the debris and its residents are afraid of the rubble falling on the foundation of their homes. The neighboring homes were asked to evacuate as the rescue and relief operation could go on throughout the night.
MCD accused of not acting swiftly
Prima facie, building couldn't bear its weight: Police
Delhi North District DCP, Sagar Singh Kalsi told The Indian Express that prima facie, it appeared that the building under construction could not bear its weight and collapsed. Delhi Fire Service official Ravinder Singh said that as it was hard for excavators to approach the spot, they were using a live detector. The NDRF team has arrived with its dog squad.
