New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The death toll from the building collapse in Delhi’s Hauz Qazi locality reached three on Saturday, following the recovery of a labourer’s body from beneath the wreckage during an ongoing search operation.
Officials identified the deceased as Pankaj Sharma, 40, who belonged to Hanuman Nagar village in Bihar’s Khagaria district. Rescue personnel have been working through the rubble since the three-storey structure gave way on Thursday morning.
Nearly 48 hours into the operation, five people had been recovered from the site. Three were declared dead, while the other two sustained injuries. Both survivors have undergone treatment and are reported to be stable.
The collapse occurred at approximately 9.45 am in Gali Sitara, near the Chawri Bazar Metro station. The building was under construction when it suddenly came crashing down, trapping workers beneath the debris.
Central Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh had earlier estimated that between 10 and 15 labourers were present at the site at the time of the accident.
Search teams continued clearing the wreckage on Saturday, with efforts focused on locating anyone who might still be trapped and removing the remaining debris.
