National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela said that the NDRF is continuing its search and rescue operation at the site of the building collapse in New Delhi’s Satya Niketan area.

 

Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, Mr Bundela said due to the large quantity of debris, the rescue operation is likely to continue till the evening. He said that 11 victims have so far been rescued from the debris, of which six have been declared dead, while five are undergoing treatment in hospital. Mr Bundela also informed one more person has been detected beneath the rubble and rescue teams are making efforts to safely extricate the victim.

 

He said the NDRF is using specialised equipment, including breaching and cutting systems, lifting equipment, inflatable bags and hydraulic and wooden shoring systems to remove concrete slabs and stabilise the collapsed structure. Mr Bundela said that canines and life-detection equipment are also being deployed to locate victims trapped under the debris. The NDRF IG said the congested location poses challenges for rescue operations, particularly in movement of vehicles and positioning of heavy equipment.