The police said at least 13 workers were rescued from underneath the debris.

According to information, the roof of the first floor of Mahaguna Metro Towers, one of several malls under construction in the area close to Anand Vihar in east Delhi, collapsed around 8.30 pm. The rubble was still being cleared when this report was filed late in the evening. The police said all 13 labourers were rescued and admitted to Yashoda Hospital and Sarvodaya Hospital in the area.

Deepak Ratan, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ghaziabad, said: “The contractors have informed us that all 13 men working under them have been rescued but eyewitnesses claim there were more people inside the building. We are not taking any chances.” The rubble was said to be three feet thick and special rescue teams of the reserve police and fire brigade were called in to clear it.

Vijay Kumar, Superintending Officer of Indirapuram Police Station, said, “We have received information that family members of some of the labourers were present at the spot.” One labourer, admitted at the ICU in Sarvodaya Hospital, is said to be critical; doctors said his chances of surviving are slim.