New Delhi, May 14: The current search effort in Mundka, Delhi, that began on Friday night after a four-story building caught fire, is expected to be concluded in the next 3 to 4 hours, according to a National Disaster Response Force officer.
Several persons are still missing, according to reports.
“The search operation is going on continuously. We have found small parts of bodies on the second floor. I think the search operation would be complete in 3-4 hours,” said Vikash Saini, Assistant Commandant, NDRF.
People are waiting for information about their loved ones while the search operation continues.
“I am looking for my sister. I can’t find her,” said Ismail, a man who was present at the site this morning.
A assistance desk has been set up at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital to provide “correct information” to people whose family members are missing or injured and admitted to the hospital.
“We’ve received 28 missing person complaints. We’re collecting complainants’ details and their relations with the missing persons. We’ve put up a helpline number. They’ll be informed as soon as we get any information,” said Sunil Kumar, Civil Defence at the hospital.
Vijay, who was present at the hospital, stated that his wife has been missing since last evening and that he has been unable to contact her.
“My wife is missing. She worked as a sales manager there. I last spoke to her at 4.10 pm last evening. I called her again, the phone is ringing but nobody is receiving the call,” he said.
According to a notice issued by the District Magistrate (West) office, people can inquire about missing persons or report them to the desk by calling 011-25195529 or 011-25100093.
A WhatsApp number has also been established for the purpose, which is +91 7982661695, according to the notice.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Department filed a FIR and arrested the company’s proprietors, Harish Goel and Varun Goa. Manish Lakra, the building’s owner, has yet to be apprehended.
“FIR registered u/s IPC 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 120 (concealing design to commit an offence punishable with imprisonment), 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention),” said the police on Saturday.
On Friday evening, a big fire broke out, killing 27 people and injuring 12. The fire, however, was brought under control, according to fire officials. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer District) Sameer Sharma, 50 individuals have been rescued thus far. “A total of 27 people have died and 12 got injured in the fire incident.” said DCP Sharma.
