Ghaziabad Incident: 18 died as roof collapses in crematorium; Son crushed to death under rubble at his father’s funeral
Friyana Munshi
Ghaziabad, January 3, 2021: A major accident took place today in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. During the funeral at the crematorium in Muradnagar, many people were stuck under the rubble due to the collapse of the roof of the gallery.
18 people died while 24 were injured. All of them stood under the roof to avoid the rain. One of the sons of the person cremated also died in this accident. Divisional Commissioner of Meerut, Anita C Meshram said that so far 17 people have been confirmed dead while 38 people have been rescued.
The Gallery was built two and a half months ago
It is said that the funeral of a fruit trader from Muradnagar was being performed at the crematorium who passed away at the age of 65. During the funeral, everyone stood in the gallery adjacent to the gate. During this time, the accident occurred. Two and a half months ago the Numa Gallery was built here.
People have alleged that inferior material was used to make the gallery. The grandson of the deceased whose funeral was being held, Devendra, who was present on the occasion said that while his grandfather was being cremated while the rest stood away and watched. At the same time, he heard the sound of the roof collapsing. All the people standing were overwhelmed.
Devendra also talked about how he lost his uncle in the accident and how his cousin was buried under the rubble. His father was also injured in the accident.
Rs 2 lakh compensation for deceased family
The team of NDRF is engaged in the rescue which is facing problems due to rain. 3 among the dead have been identified. Their names were Yogendra, Omkar, and Bunty. They were residents of Sangam Vihar and Muradnagar. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed to provide financial assistance of 2 lakh rupees to the families of those who died; also, the Divisional Commissioner Meerut and ADG Meerut Zone have sought a report of the incident.
More than 100 people attended the funeral
Dayaram of Dayanand Colony died due to illness on Saturday night. More than 100 people had gathered for the last rites at the Muradnagar crematorium on Sunday. People stood in the gallery to avoid the rain. Suddenly the roof of the gallery collapsed.
