Staff Reporter: At least 19 people died on the spot when a roof of a crematorium collapsed, India police said. The incident took place on Sunday (January 3rd) at a crematorium in Muraganagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

38 people have been rescued from under the rubble. It is feared that many more are trapped there. News of Hindustan Times.

Merut Divisional Commissioner Anita C Meshram said 19 bodies and 38 survivors had been rescued from the rubble. An investigation has been started into the incident. Action will be taken to find the culprits.

Locals said more than a hundred people were present at the crematorium, most of the victims were the relatives of a 65 years old local resident whose last rites were being conducted then. About 40 people are still trapped under the rubble.

According to the locals, the construction work of that part of the crematorium was completed a month and a half ago. They claimed that the incident took place due to the use of substandard materials.

Indian Prime Minister Nadrendre Modi , President Ram Nath Kobind and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sent their condolences.