New Delhi, May 31 (PTI) The death toll in the collapse of a three-storey commercial building near Saket Metro station in south Delhi has risen to four, while many others were rescued and admitted to hospital, an official said on Sunday.
The building on Western Marg in the Saidulajab area collapsed on Saturday evening. The structure housed a coaching institute, cafes and offices, while construction work was reportedly underway on the upper floor at the time of the incident.
“Total four people have died in the incident. Rescue operation is underway,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal told PTI.
The police said the building was reduced to rubble, with debris crashing onto an adjoining tin shed canteen frequented by students preparing
for medical entrance examinations.
All the injured were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.
A multi-agency rescue operation involving the NDRF, DFS, DDMA, Delhi Police and local volunteers continued through the night.
Rescue teams deployed heavy machinery, hydraulic cutters, victim-location cameras and sniffer dogs to search for those trapped beneath the debris.
The operation was concluded after all trapped persons were accounted for, officials said.
The exact cause of the collapse is yet to be ascertained. Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident. PTI BM APL APL
