NEW DELHI: Three people have died and eight have been injured in the New Seemapuri building collapse, according to the latest incident update, as rescue teams continued searching the rubble for anyone still trapped.
The figures update yesterday’s report, when officials confirmed a child’s death and said around nine people had been evacuated to hospital. The latest update separately records the recovery of five body parts, including one head; these have not been added to the reported death toll.
Neighbouring buildings also damaged
The building near Idgah Machhli Mandi collapsed at approximately 3.10–3.15 pm on October 7. The MCD control room received information at 3.40 pm.
The structure was reportedly around 25 years old and stood on a plot of approximately 25 square yards allotted by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board in a jhuggi-jhopri settlement.
Three neighbouring buildings or structures suffered partial damage, while a boundary wall of the nearby Idgah also collapsed. Residents reported that people sorting recyclable materials nearby and passersby were caught beneath the falling debris.
Six JCBs, six Hydras support rescue effort
Around 150 personnel from the NDRF, Delhi Fire Service, MCD, Delhi Police and Delhi Disaster Management Authority were involved in the search and rescue operation.
Six JCB machines, six Hydra machines, a Bobcat, ambulances and specialised rescue equipment, including sniffer dogs, were deployed. Senior district administration, police and municipal officers supervised the response at the site.
According to the update, the initial emergency teams arrived within approximately 15 minutes of receiving information. NDRF personnel subsequently joined them.
Inquiry to establish cause
Some residents told officials that cracks had appeared in the building following an earthquake the previous night and that the owner was vacating it. MCD maintenance officials said the corporation had received no complaint about its condition following the reported earthquake before the collapse.
In yesterday’s report, District Magistrate Ajay Kumar said local inquiries indicated demolition work in an adjoining building. The latest incident update states that the actual cause will be established through a detailed assessment and inquiry.
Search and debris-clearance operations were continuing when the update was issued, with teams checking the rubble and surrounding affected area for anyone still trapped.
