28 killed in building collapse in New Delhi

At least 28 people were killed and 50 injured when a five-storey residential building collapsed in the Indian capital on Monday, officials and news reports said, dpa reported.

Dozens were believed trapped in the debris of the toppled building in New Delhi's Laxmi Nagar area.

"According to the information we have, 28 people have died in the accident. Most of victims were workers who were living in the

building," Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia told reporters.

Rescue operations were expected to continue through the night and the death toll was likely to increase as many of the injured were said to be in a serious condition.

Officials estimated that between 40 to 70 people could still be trapped. Witnesses reported hearing shouts coming from survivors buried underneath the rubble.

Rescuers were removing slabs of concrete by hand as darkness and rain hampered relief operations.

The cause behind the collapse was not immediately known, but Delhi Finance Minister AK Walia said recent floods had weakened the foundation of the building.

"It seems that the basement of the building was filled with water, which could have caused the collapse," Walia said.

Other officials blamed substandard construction for the tragedy.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit ordered an inquiry.