The collapse of a four-storey building in Delhi's Seemapuri area on Wednesday, which has left several trapped, could be linked to tremors from an earthquake, locals have said.
The tragedy, which comes just weeks after seven students died due to the collapse of a hostel building in Delhi's Satya Niketan, follows tremors felt in Delhi after an earthquake shook Uttarakhand on Tuesday night.
The quake originated at a depth of about 13km at Chamoli, about 50km from Joshimath, as per the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), which added that parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab had also been affected.
Saleem, a local who claimed that his family lived in the collapsed building, told IANS that after the earthquake, some people had already been evacuated, with others on their way out when the building suddenly collapsed.
"My own son-in-law was trapped inside, but he was safely rescued. My daughter was also inside, and she has been rescued as well. Two children have also been rescued. Three others are still trapped inside, and they are being rescued by removing the roof with the help of a crane," he told PTI.
Others claimed that the building had developed cracks due to the impact of the tremors, though officials said that the exact reason for the collapse would be declared later.
Local media reports also say that the building, which is about 40-50 years old as per Municipal Councillor Pankaj Luthra, had been built illegally in an unauthorised colony, with about 10-12 families living there on rent.
Visuals from the spot showed locals joining the rescue efforts and clearing debris with their bare hands.
In one video, a group of people could be seen pulling a woman out from under the debris and carrying her away in their arms. Several people were also seen crying and appearing distressed near the site as the incident spread panic in the region.
