Narrow lanes, closely built houses make rescue risky

EARTHMOVERS COULDN'T REACH THE SITE, FORCING RESCUERS TO CLEAR DEBRIS MANUALLY AND DUMP IT AT EIDGAH GROUND USING HUMAN CHAIN, AND HANDCARTS

- Karn Pratap Singh

Rescue teams faced tough challenges at the site of the collapse on Saturday, as cramped spaces with houses built very close to each other, partial damages sustained by adjoining buildings, and narrow approach lanes prevented the use of heavy machinery to remove rubble.

On Saturday, earthmovers also could not access the site at Janta Colony in Welcome area, forcing the personnel to initiate the debris removal process manually, brick-by-brick. The debris was then dumped in the nearby Eidgah ground through a human chain, a few handcarts and shovels.

Senior officials said the entire exercise is likely to take a few days.