One dead as under construction building collapses in Ghaziabad

One worker was killed and around seven others were injured as a five-storey, under construction building in Ghaziabad collapsed on Sunday. This is the second incident in one week, after the dual-building collapse in Greater Noida on Tuesday.

The building was located in Akash Nagar area of the Masuri police station jurisdiction. According to Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA), the illegal building was supposed to be demolished on July 12. However, it was delayed due to logistic reasons.

Soon after the incident, police called the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for immediate search and rescue operation. The number of people trapped under the debris is not clear as of now.

The workers in critical condition were taken to GTB Hospital while others were admitted to a hospital In Sanjay Nagar. Rahul, a 16-year old boy, has been identified as the deceased.

The workers were at the top floor when the building crumbled to pieces. According to them, they told the contractor about the cracks observed in the pillars and he told them to keep working.

According to GDA secretary, Santosh Rai, the builder was initially told to demolish the construction in December 2017. However, he resumed the construction after a few months. GDA gave him a final notice two months ago to demolish the building. The builder ignored the notice and GDA set July 12 as the demolition date.

Ghaziabad District Magistrate, Rita Maheshwari revealed that government will give Rs.50,000 to every injured worker and Rs.2,00,000 to the family of the deceased.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has ordered the authorities to leave no stone unturned in the investigation and take strict action against the people responsible for this collapse.