It is feared that some people will be trapped while rescue operations continue.
Muradnagar:
Eighteen people died and some were injured after the roof of a crematorium in the Uttar Pradesh city of Muradnagar collapsed due to rain on people attending a funeral.
Of the dozens of people under the rubble, 38 have been rescued. It is feared that some people will be trapped as rescue operations continue. Local police and fire department are present at the site.
Hours later, rescuers were still searching the rubble to locate more victims, said Ghaziabad (Rural) Police Superintendent Iraj Raja.
A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was also transferred to the scene.
Several people have been admitted to hospitals.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed regret at the loss of life in the incident.
The prime minister ordered officials to give financial assistance of 2 lakh rupees to the family of each of the deceased, according to a statement issued by the state government.
The prime minister also ordered the Meerut Divisional Commissioner and the ADG Meerut area to submit a report on the matter.
With PTI inputs
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