Over 50 injured as building collapses in east Delhi

Some 60 people were rescued from the building in Lalita Park area of Laxmi Nagar, at least 50 of whom were in an injured condition, a senior police official said. The incident took place at around 8.15 pm when over 100 people were inside.

"We have rushed the injured persons to nearby hospitals," the official said. Nearly 40 people are still trapped in the building.

Fire brigade, police and MCD officials were engaged in the rescue operation and removal of debris with the help of local residents. Ambulances took the injured to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital and other nearby medical centres.

Finance Minister A K Walia, who rushed to the spot, said the foundation of the old building could have weakened due to the heavy rains in the Monsoon season when water of the Yamuna river flooded the area.

An MCD spokesperson said the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer of the Shahdara South zone, under which the area falls, have rushed to the spot with men and machines to assist in the rescue operations.

"All other assistance is being organised," he said adding, "rescue is priority".