Hyderabad, February 07: The 50-year watchman of the ill-fated building which collapsed at Narayanguda yesterday was pulled out safely after more than 18 hours today, even as the retrieval of a labourer’s body late last night took the toll to 13.
The rescue operation came to an end by evening after the debris was entirely combed. The watchman, Mallaiah, who lived on the ground floor of the fivestoreyed structure was located around 7:00 a.m. when rescuers heard his desperate cries.
Carefully removing the heavy cement slabs and other construction materials they found Mallaiah lying precariously under the rubble. He was shifted to the Osmania General Hospital where he is reported to be stable.
Late yesterday night, rescue workers found a worker dead under the debris taking the toll in the mishap to 13. By evening, the entire rubble was cleared and rescue workers did not come across any more survivors or bodies.
Officials said six persons were injured and were being treated at the Gandhi and Osmania hospitals.
Meanwhile, the condition of Rishika, a Class V student of Brilliant Grammar School, adjacent to the collapsed building, is also stable. The girl suffered a head injury after some debris fell on her. She is being treated at a private hospital at Barkatpura.
Meanwhile, the AP Building and Other Construction Workers Union today staged a protest at Narayanguda demanding Rs 10 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh to the injured.
The union has decided to stage a dharna in front of the Hyderabad District Collectorate on February 8. Meanwhile, the police are yet to nab the landlord and the builder who took up construction of the illegal floors.
–Agencies