2 buildings collapse, many feared trapped
GREATER NOIDA Both buildings located next to each other; NDRF, fire dept and local police commence rescue efforts
GREATER NOIDA: Two five-storey buildings located next to each other collapsed i n Greater Noida’s Shahberi village late on Tuesday night with dozens of people feared trapped under the debris, local officials said.
Precise figures of casualties were not available at the time of going to print as rescue operations were underway late into the night. However, locals and neighbours said around 25 people lived in both the buildings.
Local officials said a newly constructed building and an under-construction one adjacent to each other collapsed in a narrow lane in Shahberi village of Bisrakh at around 9.30pm on Tuesday night. It was not clear which of these buildings collapsed first. Both the buildings are reported to be five storeys high, police officials said.
“It is feared that around 20-25 people might be trapped inside the debris. We are not sure about the casualty as rescue operations are on,” a senior police official at the spot said.
Unconfirmed reports said that a family had recently moved in the newly constructed building. Officials said they were also investigating reports that some labourers were living in the under-construction building.
The 8th Battalion of National Disaster Relief Force was rushed in from Ghaziabad to initiate the rescue process. Fire safety teams had been deployed at the spot as people were being evacuated
PEOPLE WERE BEING EVACUATED FROM NEARBY BUILDINGS AS WELL, OFFICIALS SAID
from nearby buildings.
Senior police and administrative officials, such as district magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar and senior superintendent of police of Ghaziabad, rushed to the spot.
“It’s an unfortunate incident. Senior officers are on the spot. @dgpup has personally spoken to @dmgbnagar & commanding officer of @NDRFHQ to expedite relief & rescue work. @Upgovt,” UP Police tweeted.
Greater Noida district magistrate BN Singh said, “We have roped in the NDRF and the police along with the health and fire department. Our priority is to rescue people trapped inside. An inquiry will be launched.”
Union minister Mahesh Sharma arrived at the spot late on Tuesday night and said, “UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an inquiry into the incident.”