3 dead, 20 injured after 'jhuggis' collapse in Central Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 9 (UNI) At least three people died and 20 were injured when a cluster of 'jhuggis' (shanty houses) in Central Delhi collapsed following the caving in of a drain located near it this evening, fire brigade officials said.

The injured have been admitted to the RML hospital.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who visited the spot after the incident, has announced an ex gratia of Rs one lakh for the adults who died in the collapse and Rs 50,000 for a minor's death.

An ex gratia of Rs 20,000 has been announced for each of the injured.

Fire officials said the 'jhuggis', located near Khan Market, gave way after a bridge built over the adjacent 'nullah' (drain) caved in at around 1700 hours.

Locals said heavy rains over the past couple of days could have led to the caving in of the bridge, whichg is quite old.

Several fire service engines were rushed to rescue those trapped in the debris, the fire officials said.

''A total of 23 people were brought out from the nullah, of whom three have died and rest had incurred injuries,'' fire officials said.

Rescue work at the siter is still on, the officials added.

Delhi Metro sources said one of Metro's excavators has been deployed in the rescue operations.

UNI AR-MMG SP KN2331