New Delhi: The death toll in the Seemapuri building collapse rose to at least four after rescuers found two more bodies early Thursday morning.
Rescue operations stretched into Thursday afternoon, during which over 10 houses nearby were emptied to ensure the safety of their residents. Fourteen-year-old Khushi waited outside the operation theatre as her mother, Sakina (35), underwent surgery on her left shoulder. She was pulled out around 6 pm after rescue personnel heard a voice saying “Bachao.
Police said a case has been registered against the building’s owner. Even the faintest seismic activity here will lead to a cave-in,” an NDRF official, who wished to remain anonymous, said. A fridge had fallen on Sakina, which saved her life, said her relative, Saavera.
Eight injured persons were also found in the debris. Located in New Seemapuri’s E-block, the building was surrounded by ramshackle houses – some even five storeys high – with no pillars to anchor the structures. “Look at these houses! The adjacent building has started to tilt after the collapse. Mujhe please bacho lo” from under the rubble.