11 dead as building collapses in northeast Delhi, CM orders probe

NEW DELHI: A four-storey building in northeast Delhi's Mustafabad area collapsed early Saturday, claiming the lives of 11 people, including four children, and injuring 11. A probe has been ordered by chief minister Rekha Gupta. Police said a case of negligence has been registered and the cause of the 'pancake collapse' is under investigation.

The building, located in Gali No. 1, Shakti Vihar, crumbled around 2.39am, likely exacerbated by the rains, strong winds and thunderstorms that hit the city. Police and fire officials were alerted around 2.50-3am. NDRF teams, firefighters and cops were pressed into service to rescue survivors. About two dozen people were suspected to be trapped under the debris. By early morning, 15 people were rescued while four were declared dead on the spot. More were later pulled out, seven of whom succumbed in hospital.

Announcing ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PM's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, PM Modi tweeted: "Saddened by the loss of lives due to a building collapse... Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected."