New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI) The clearing of the debris from the site of a building collapse in east Delhi’s Seemapuri was underway a day after the incident, the MCD said on Thursday, adding that adjoining damaged structures would be dismantled carefully as the area is densely populated.
The death toll in the building collapse rose to five after two more bodies were recovered during the clearing, officials said.
Shahdara North Zone Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar said the collapse had also damaged nearby buildings and the civic body was first removing the debris before taking up demolition of the affected portions.
“Due to the collapse, nearby buildings have also suffered partial damage. We are currently clearing the debris and will then demolish the damaged portions. The structures will be dismantled gradually to ensure that surrounding buildings are not affected,” Kumar said.
He said the work was being carried out cautiously due to the congested locality.
Officials said the clearing work is likely to be completed by Friday.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Shahdara North Zone Chairman Pankaj Luthra said he reached the spot around 4 pm after receiving information about the incident and remained there until midnight.
“Nine people were rescued, while a woman and two children lost their lives. After I left, two more bodies were recovered between 4 and 5 am,” Luthra said.
North-East Delhi District Magistrate Ajay Kumar said the four-storey building had collapsed onto the road, affecting both residents and passersby.
“The adjoining building had been undergoing demolition for the last three to four days using vibrating machinery. Given the small plots and thin walls in the area, the buildings often support each other. It appears that the failure of one structure may have triggered the collapse, but the exact cause will be established in the magisterial inquiry,” he said.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from the area, Veer Singh Dhingan, claimed that the locals had reported seven to eight deaths and demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for each deceased person. PTI VBH PRK
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