4 dead as rains, storm sweep Capital

Sudden storm and rains that swept the city on Saturday led to loss of life and property, as at least four men were killed in two separate incidents of wall collapses, while uprooted trees at many areas damaged cars and gusty winds damaged a portion of the tin roof at a newly constructed RRTS station, officials said.

- Aheli Das and Hemani Bhandari

In central Delhi's Paharganj, at least three men died and one sustained injuries when the wall of an under-construction basement collapsed. Police said res cue operations were carried out at the site. The deceased included a contractor, Prabhu Kumar, 65, and labourers, Niranjan Kumar, 40, and Roshan Kumar, 35.

DCP (central) Harsha Vardhan said another labourer Chut tan Kumar, 35, was injured and was undergoing treatment.

Police were informed about the collapse on Arakshan Road at 6.20pm. “Preliminary probe revealed that the contractor and labourers were in the basement when the storm hit. Construction of a hotel was underway. One of the side walls collapsed during the rain and the three got trapped inside,” an officer said. Delhi Fire Services director Atul Garg said four fire tenders were pressed into service to rescue the three.

Former chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi expressed grief over the accident. The party's MLA, Imran Hussain, who visited the spot, said the district magistrate has been asked to give compensation to the victim's families and conduct a probe.