10 dead, 5 rescued, after three-storey building collapses in Meerut; rescue operations continues

MEERUT: In the aftermath of a three-storey building collapse in Zakir Colony, Meerut, the district administration confirmed on Sunday morning that 10 people have died.
Out of the 15 people rescued, five are alive, with one in critical condition.
“All 15 individuals whose names were provided by relatives have been accounted for. So far, 10 fatalities have been confirmed, while five survivors are being treated,” said District Magistrate Deepak Meena.
He added, "The rescue operation will continue until all debris is cleared. We are leaving no stone unturned. The bodies have been sent to the medical college for post-mortem and other formalities. Among the deceased, two are males (father-son duo), while the rest are women, including five children under the age of 16 and three adult women."
Authorities attributed the collapse to continuous heavy rains in the area, which weakened the structure. The building, located in a congested part of the city, housed a cattle dairy.
District Magistrate Meena noted that the primary focus remains on saving human lives, adding, “The exact number of animals that perished will be assessed later.”
Despite relentless rain and narrow lanes, rescue efforts began soon after the building came down on Saturday evening. Heartbreaking scenes emerged during the operation, such as the discovery of 11-year-old Mohd Saqib, found cradled in his father Sajid’s arms.
Tragically, both perished. Sajid’s daughter Saniya (15) also died in the collapse, while his wife Saina (38) remains in critical condition. Sajid’s mother Nafisa also lost her life, and Rimsa, a five-month-old baby, was the youngest victim among the dead.