One more labourer died, taking the death toll in the roof collapse incident at a two-storeyed under-construction godown in Alipur area to two.
"Two persons have died in the incident. The victims have been identified as - Arun (27) and Kedar Nath (50). The rescue operations went on till about 2:30 AM in the morning," DCP (Outer Delhi) Vikramjit Singh said today.
The incident took place around 8.30 PM last night in outer Delhi area when the roof of the godown in Boodhpur area on National Highway-1, which had been laid yesterday, caved in.
Nine labourers were injured in the mishap, police said, adding, they were rushed to nearby hospitals including Harishchandra Hospital in Narela.
After the incident rescue teams from Fire Department, civil defence, police, North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and other agencies has rushed in to the spot.
A senior NDMC official alleged "illegal construction" was going on at the godown.
"The godown comes under the extended 'lal dora' region of the city, it adjoins some farm lands in outer Delhi. Our Junior Engineer had yesterday visited the place and warned of not doing any unauthorised construction.
"But, by night, more labourers were assembled and work was resumed," the NDMC official claimed.
He said Additional Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of the area and other senior officials have visited the site.
Godowns are generally located in outer parts of the city.
The term 'lal dora' refers to land which is that part of the village habitation which is used for non-agricultural purposes only and was exempted from the building by-laws and construction norms and related regulations under the Delhi Municipal Act.
Incidentally, the Standing Committee of NDMC had last month sought regularisation of godowns falling in 'lal dora', extended 'lal dora' areas, agricultural land and unauthorised colonies on an "as is, where is" basis.
An FIR has been lodged in connection with the mishap and further investigation is on, police said.
