New Delhi, 15 November (H.S.): Eight workers were injured after a section of the second floor of a building collapsed while a concrete roof slab was being laid during hotel construction in the Paharganj area of central Delhi on Sunday evening. All the injured workers were rushed to Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

According to the police, a PCR call reporting the collapse of part of a building was received at Paharganj Police Station on Sunday. The incident occurred at property numbers 3992–3993 in Kasheruwalan, Sangatrashan, opposite the Government Girls Senior Secondary School.

Following the alert, a police team rushed to the site and initiated rescue and relief operations. During the preliminary inquiry, it emerged that hotel construction work was underway at the premises. Workers were laying the concrete roof slab on the second floor on Sunday evening when a portion of the structure suddenly gave way.

The injured workers have been identified as Sheikh Saddam (37), Sheikh Raja (20), Mohammad Suhail (50), Sanjud Khan (40), Gautam Yadav (28), Varun Yadav (36), Raja (36) and Mantsu (40). All eight were taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Preliminary information indicates that some of the injured sustained fractures, while others suffered minor injuries. They are undergoing treatment under medical supervision.

During its initial inspection, the police found that the building's supporting columns were wet and that the structure appeared to be leaning. However, the exact cause of the slab collapse has not yet been established.

The police are examining all aspects of the construction work, including whether prescribed safety standards and precautions were being followed at the site. Further legal action is being taken in connection with the incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar