East Delhi building collapse kills 55, 90 injured

At least 55 persons died & 90 injured in a building collapse at Lalita park in Laxmi Nagar, east Delhi, about 8.30 pm on Monday. Sources said the five- storey building, located at Garwali Mohalla, housed labourers who had been relocated there from a slum. About 50 had been rescued from the debris, when the last report came in.

“ We have recovered several bodies and sent them to hospital. Most of the injured are women and children as the men hadn’t returned returned home for the night,” a police officer said.

The police said residents suspect water accumulation in the basement of the building could have led to the collapse. The building, which reportedly housed about 150 residents, was owned by Amrit Singh, a local contractor. About 100 of the residents were in the building when it came crashing.

A senior police officer said: “ This building was constructed many years ago. An investigation will be conducted and a case registered against the accused.” Till late in the night about 30 ambulances were sent to the spot to take the injured to hospital. The injured were rushed to LOBS and MAX hospitals. Doctors at the LOBS hospital said about 25 persons were admitted to the institution of whom many were children who had sustained grievous injuries.

Sources said three of them were declared brought dead. a“ We have been told more injured will be brought to the hospital,” said Amity Saxena.

the additional medical superintendent of LOBS. Vidyut Sarkar, a labourer who resides in the building, said: “ I have a family of seven and all of them were injured in the accident. I do not know which hospital they have been taken to.” Local MP Sandeep Dikshit, too, visited the spot. “ The fire officials have rescued about thirty persons and sent them to the local hospital. Many of them are still trapped inside,” he said.

Cranes and gas cutter machines have been brought in to aid the rescue efforts. According to the police, rescue efforts were delayed as the building was located in a narrow alley.

“ We are having trouble bringing in the cranes. Fire tenders have not been able to go to the spot and help in the rescue operations. The fire tenders and the ambulances are parked a long distance away,” an officer said.