Faridabad, September 09: At least six people were killed, three suffered injuries and an unspecified number of people remained trapped under debris after a three-storeyed shopping centre collapsed Wednesday in this Haryana city adjoining the national capital.
“Six bodies have already been taken out of debris. Three people who have suffered injuries were rescued earlier,” Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Praveen Kumar told IANS.
“Rescue operations are in last stages and will continue for a few more hours,” Kumar added.
The injured were undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
The building, housing a popular shopping centre, in the New Industrial Township (NIT) Phase I came crashing down with a deafening roar at around 12.45 p.m.
Nearly 2,000 people gathered at the spot as rescue teams worked to clear the debris. Ten cranes were working at the spot to assist authorities in the rescue operations. Fire brigade and ambulance services were also present.
According to a senior Faridabad police official: “The two men whose bodies have been taken out of debris were apparently working in the complex.
“Some repair work was going on in the building. Heavy generator sets were installed on top of the building,” the officer added.
Asked if the heavy generator sets could be the reason behind the collapse, Praveen Kumar said: “The exact reason is not confirmed yet but the generators can be a reason.”
—IANS