At least 12 families rescued, many still feared trapped in Greater Noida twin building collapse

The NDRF is assisting the police and fire-fighters in the rescue operations

At least three bodies were recovered and three others have been rushed to a hospital after two buildings collapsed in Greater Noida’s Shahberi village on Tuesday night.

The rescue operations which began on Tuesday night continued on Wednesday morning as many people are feared trapped in the rubble.

A six-storey under-construction building collapsed on an adjacent building around 9.30 p.m on July 17. The second building also collapsed under the impact. The police have detained Ganga Prasad Dwivedi the builder and property dealer for questioning.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday night directed the police and administration departments to monitor and coordinate with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) involved in the rescue operations.

Drills are being used to remove metal rods to reach those trapped under the debris. A dog squad has also been pressed into service.

“Four teams of the NDRF and a dog squad are at the spot,” said Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate B.N. Singh.

“Exact casualties are yet to be ascertained as the rescue operation is on,” regional chief fire officer Arun Kumar Singh said.

A local said that at least 40 persons might be trapped inside the building. At least 12 families had shifted to one of the building, the local added.

Initial information suggests that the buildings were illegally constructed right under the nose of district administration and Greater Noida authority.