Rescue operations underway after a four-storey recently built building collapsed at Kaushik Enclave of Burari in New Delhi on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA

Five persons, including two girls, were killed in the Burari building collapse incident, police said on Tuesday.

The newly-constructed four-storey building, located near Oscar Public School, collapsed late on Monday, trapping several people.

Yogendra Bhati, the building constructor, has been arrested and booked under BNS Section 105 (culpable homicide), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), and 3(5) (criminal act with a shared intention).

The Burari Sub-Divisional Magistrate has ordered the evacuation of nearby buildings for structural safety and fitness checks. The entire area has been cordoned off and declared a restricted zone.

Twelve persons and five bodies have been retrieved from the debris, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia said, adding that the rescue operation is underway and more people could be trapped under the rubble.

“Police, fire services and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel are on the spot. Locals have been roped in to ascertain the number of people trapped,” the DCP said.

The deceased girls have been identified as Saadhna, 17 and seven-year-old Radhika. The identity of the three men is yet to be determined, the DCP said.

The rescue operation might continue till Wednesday morning, Mr. Banthia added.

Some of the injured are receiving treatment at a Burari hospital, while those with serious injuries have been referred to the LNJP Hospital.

AAP Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha said compensation of ₹10 lakh for deceased kin and ₹ 5 lakh for the families of minor victims has been announced.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said all possible help would be provided to the affected people.