Greater Noida Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 9 As NDRF Recovers Another Body; Rescue Operation Continues

Noida, July 19: The death toll in the Greater Noida building collapse has risen to nine after the rescue workers recovered one more body from the debris on Thursday morning. Two buildings had collapsed in Greater Noida’s Shah Beri village on Tuesday. According to reports over 30 people are feared to be trapped inside the debris.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are carrying out search and rescue operation in the village, to locate several other persons who are feared to be trapped.

On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed in the incident. The Chief Minister also announced Rs 50,000 each for those injured.

At least four people have been arrested in connection with the collapse of the two buildings. The District Magistrate has set up a magisterial inquiry under the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) executive to probe the case. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Noida Pankaj Singh on Wednesday called it an unfortunate incident. Singh blamed illegal construction for the collapse and promised strict action against the persons responsible for the incident.

According to reports, safety norms were not taken care of while constructing the buildings. As many as 18 families were believed to have been living in the buildings. Greater Noida authorities had reportedly acquired the land in the village from the locals, following which the villagers had protested against the acquisition and also moved court for justice. The Supreme Court had later cancelled the purchase after which the builders had to change the location of their projects.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2018 10:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).