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

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

The injured have been admitted to the RML hospital.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has announced an ex gratia compensation 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 brigade officials said the 'jhuggis' (slum hutments) gave way after the adjacent 'nullah' (drain) caved in. ''A total of 23 people were brought out from the nullah, of whom three have died and rest were injured injuries. Rescue work is still on.'' Several fire service engines were rushed to rescue those trapped in the debris, the fire officials said.

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

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