NEW DELHI: The death toll in the collapse of a multi-storey building in southwest Delhi’s Satya Niketan area rose to six on Monday, as rescue and search operations continued for a second day, officials said.
Eleven people have so far been pulled out of the debris of the decades-old structure, which housed a boys’ paying guest accommodation near Delhi University’s South Campus.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said 11 patients were brought to the JPN Apex Trauma Centre following the collapse.
“Out of the 11 patients, five were brought dead, while one patient who was in critical condition later succumbed to his injuries; three patients have been admitted and are being treated. One patient underwent limb surgery. One patient had sustained a minor injury and was discharged after observation,” the hospital said in a statement.
The building came down at around 1.30 pm on Sunday while repair work was being carried out.
Rescue teams from multiple agencies, including the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service, National Disaster Response Force and Delhi Disaster Management Authority, continued operations through the night.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel said another person was rescued from the debris during the night but was declared dead, taking the death toll to six.
“One more person was rescued during the night but was brought dead, taking the toll to six,” Goel said.
Authorities are continuing efforts to ascertain the identities and whereabouts of people who may have been connected with the incident.
Police have registered a case against the building owner and others in connection with the collapse. A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.