At least 21 people were killed and at least 20 were injured as a roof collapsed at a crematorium in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district on Sunday, PTI reported, citing officials.
The incident took place in the district’s Muradnagar area. Twenty-five people, the relatives of a man who was being cremated, had taken shelter under the roof as heavy rain lashed the area. Several parts of Delhi and adjoining areas recorded moderate to heavy rainfall earlier in the day.
As many as 38 people have been rescued so far, ANI reported, quoting Divisional Commissioner of Meerut Anita C Meshram. “We have started a probe and will take strict action against those found guilty,” she said.
Ghaziabad (Rural) Superintendent of Police Iraj Raja said that rescuers were still struggling to find people buried under the rubble, according to PTI. Videos on social media showed a frantic rescue operation at the site.
A team of the National Disaster Response Force has also reached the spot, while several people have been hospitalised, reported NDTV.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath has offered condolences to the families of the people killed in the roof collapse. “I have instructed district officials to conduct relief operations and submit a report of incident,” he was quoted as saying by ANI. “All possible help will be provided to those affected by the incident.” The chief minister has also directed officials to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased, according to NDTV.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other ministers and leaders have expressed grief over the incident.
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