New Delhi: A four-storey building collapsed early Saturday morning in the Janta Mazdoor Colony area under the jurisdiction of the Welcome Police Station in North-East Delhi.
The incident has left several feared trapped beneath the debris; three individuals have been successfully pulled out.
The collapse occurred at approximately 7 A.M., triggering chaos and anxiety in the densely populated locality. Authorities have since launched intensive rescue operations, which are currently in full swing.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that multiple individuals were inside the building when it fell. Rescue officials suspect that nearly a dozen people may still be trapped under the rubble. Teams from the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are actively engaged in coordinated relief efforts.
Seven fire tenders have been deployed to the site. However, narrow lanes and tightly packed surroundings are hindering the rescue mission.
A resident of the colony shared, "At around 6:45 A.M., the lights suddenly went out. When I looked, I saw that a building had collapsed. Police officers arrived, and three people have been rescued so far. There's no way to enter from the other side, it's a narrow lane."
Despite these physical limitations, emergency teams continue working tirelessly to clear the debris and search for survivors.
A senior police officer said, "Some more people could be trapped under the rubble." "We received a call regarding a building collapse at 7 am. Multiple teams are working, including seven fire tenders. Further information is awaited," the officer said.
Locals reported that a family of 10 resided in the collapsed building.
In a statement, Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg said the structure fell in Gali No. 5 at Janta Colony near Idgah Road in Seelampur.
"A total of seven fire tenders rushed to the site. Three people were rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital. Search operation continues," Garg said.
The precise cause of the collapse remains unclear. However, initial assessments suggest that the building was old and structurally unsound. With the onset of the monsoon season, persistent rainfall over the past few days may have further weakened its foundations.
The local administration has ordered a formal enquiry into the incident and initiated a survey of nearby structures to identify others that may pose similar risks.
The tragedy has once again spotlighted the fragile and deteriorating infrastructure in Delhi, particularly in overpopulated areas like Janta Mazdoor Colony. Officials are expected to conduct a broader assessment of vulnerable buildings across the region.
(with agency inputs)