WhatsApp Logo Subscribe
For News Alert

News

At least 20 dead in India cremation building collapse

January 4, 2021 02:21 AM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

At least 20 people were killed in northern India Sunday after a roof collapsed at a crematorium amid heavy rains, police said.

Rescue workers spent hours searching the rubble for survivors of the collapse, which occurred in the city of Ghaziabad on the outskirts of New Delhi.

Local media reported that 38 people were rescued, while at least 15 were injured and taken to hospital, according to the Press Trust of India.

"We have a confirmation of 20 bodies thus far but the number may rise," local police officer Mahipal Singh told AFP, adding that the cremation had been for an elderly individual who was not a Covid-19 victim.

"They took shelter under the newly constructed structure... The structure could not bear the rain and collapsed, leaving these persons dead."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi late Sunday tweeted his condolences to the victims' families.

Building collapses are frequent in India. Many firms use cheap materials and bribe officials to evade regulations, while on-site safety is lax.



Most Read

  1. Fans go gaga over Sajal Aly and Iqra Aziz chemistry in latest photoshoot Fans go gaga over Sajal Aly and Iqra Aziz chemistry in latest photoshoot
  2. Punjab CM Maryam lays foundation of country’s first autism school Punjab CM Maryam lays foundation of country’s first autism school
  3. Islamabad turns into ‘fortress’ ahead of PTI protest Islamabad turns into ‘fortress’ ahead of PTI protest
  4. Diljit Dosanjh invites Hania Aamir on stage during London concert, sings 'Lover' for her Diljit Dosanjh invites Hania Aamir on stage during London concert, sings 'Lover' for her
  5. Army soldiers guard Islamabad, Lahore sealed ahead of PTI protest Army soldiers guard Islamabad, Lahore sealed ahead of PTI protest
  6. Strong winds, rain lash most parts of Punjab, KP Strong winds, rain lash most parts of Punjab, KP