Among 67 dead, 15 were workers' kids

More than 15 children, including a four-year-old girl, were smothered to death after the building collapse.

More than 15 children, including a four-year-old girl, were smothered to death after the building collapse.

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"I heard a loud explosion from the area very close to my house. When I called my wife to find out what had happened she didn't pick up the phone, so I decided to go and see. When I reached, I saw the building that I called my home destroyed before my very eyes," said Mohammad Sadiq (40), a rickshaw puller who stayed on the third floor with his family of six.

Three hours later, Sadiq's wife Mohseen (35) was pulled out from a pile of rubble, clutching the remains of a black mobile phone in her right hand.

"Two of my children are recuperating at Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital. But my eight-year-old son Sajid is still missing," said Sadiq.

According to figures at the four hospitals where victims were rushed, 15 children were among the 67 casualties while 20 were among the injured.

Shankar Kumar (25), a vegetable vendor, had moved into the building with his family just a week ago.

"Who else can I blame but myself? While our daughter is alive and well, Sharmila is in a deep sleep," he said while waited by his sedated wife.

Sharmila was running out of the building with her daughter when it collapsed.