The death toll from the building collapse in Meerut’s Zakir Colony has risen to seven, as reported by officials on Sunday. The three-storey structure, which collapsed on Saturday, has prompted an ongoing rescue operation amidst adverse weather conditions.
Emergency teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been working tirelessly at the scene, despite heavy rain. According to District Magistrate Deepak Meena, three individuals remain trapped under the debris, and efforts to reach them are continuing.
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In an update to reporters, Meena stated, “Fourteen people were initially trapped in the building. Rescuers saved three people earlier and later rescued five more. Unfortunately, three of the eight rescued have died. Our main focus now is to rescue the remaining trapped individuals.”
The collapse occurred around 5:15 p.m. on Saturday. Emergency services quickly mobilized, and authorities identified the building’s owner, Nafo Alauddin, who operated a dairy on the premises.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure that those injured receive adequate medical care. Meerut Division Commissioner Selva Kumari J., Senior Superintendent of Police Vipin Tada, and City Superintendent of Police Ayush Vikram Singh were on-site to oversee the rescue and relief operations.
Local residents were among the first responders, offering vital assistance in the rescue efforts. This incident marks one of the most severe building collapses in the state recently. On September 7, another building collapse in Lucknow’s Transport Nagar area resulted in eight deaths and 28 injuries.
