Labourers suspected to be trapped, rescue work still on

Even 36 hours after the building collapse, the Delhi Police and fire department have been unable to clear the debris. Three-four labourers are still suspected to be trapped under the debris.

Even 36 hours after the building collapse, the Delhi Police and fire department have been unable to clear the debris. Three-four labourers are still suspected to be trapped under the debris.

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Three JCB machines, around 40 police rescue workers and many civil defence volunteers are still working to clear the site. “It will take another 24 hours to clear the debris completely. We can’t say anything till the area is cleared. There is a possibility that a few labourers are still under the debris as the basement is yet to be cleared,” a senior police officer said.

While nearby houses have been vacated, rescue teams are still facing problems due to onlookers who overcrowd the approach road and narrow lanes.

On Sunday, a labourer’s wife visited the site to seek the whereabouts of her husband, who has been missing since the building collapsed. “My husband Ashok worked here as a labourer. He didn’t come home last night. I have no idea where he is. I hope he’s alive,” said Kusum, a migrant from UP.

A couple more people like her too have visited the spot, the police said. “We can’t say anything till we clear the debris. No possibility can be ruled out. Rescue operations are on in full swing though no body was discovered on Sunday,” the officer added.