New Delhi: The death toll in the collapse of a three-storey commercial building near Saket Metro Station in south Delhi has risen to four, while several others were rescued and admitted to hospital, officials said on Sunday.
The building, located on Western Marg in the Saidulajab area, collapsed on Saturday evening. The structure housed a coaching institute, cafes and offices. Construction work was reportedly underway on the upper floor when the incident occurred.
"Total four people have died in the incident. Rescue operation is underway," Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal told PTI.
According to police, the building was reduced to rubble, with debris crashing onto an adjoining tin-shed canteen frequented by students preparing for medical entrance examinations.
All injured persons were shifted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.
A multi-agency rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Delhi Police and local volunteers continued through the night.
Rescue teams used heavy machinery, hydraulic cutters, victim-location cameras and sniffer dogs to search for people trapped under the debris.
Officials said the operation was concluded after all trapped persons were accounted for.
The exact cause of the collapse remains unknown. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident.
With PTI inputs