: A major building collapse was reported in the national capital on Thursday morning after a three-storey under-construction building collapsed near Chawri Bazar Metro Station in Old Delhi. At least two people have died, while one person has sustained injuries in the incident. Several others are feared trapped under the debris.
The incident took place in Gali Sitara, near Chawri Bazar Metro Station. According to officials, they received information about the collapse at around 9:50 am.
Eyewitnesses said the building collapsed with a loud, explosion-like sound, triggering panic in the densely populated locality. A thick cloud of dust engulfed the surrounding area following the collapse.
The narrow lanes and heavy footfall in the busy market area made the situation particularly challenging. Local residents immediately alerted the police and fire department after witnessing the incident.
Taking note of the seriousness of the situation, six fire engines were rushed to the spot. Senior officials and fire personnel are supervising the rescue operation.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire department and Delhi Police have been deployed to carry out search and rescue operations. Rescue personnel are carefully removing the debris to locate and evacuate people who may be trapped underneath.
Officials fear that several people could still be buried under the rubble. The exact cause of the building collapse is yet to be ascertained.
Another Major Building Collapse in Delhi
The incident has once again raised concerns over building safety in the national capital.
Earlier, on September 6, a five-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area. The building housed a paying guest (PG) accommodation for students. Seven people lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries.
Rescue teams had conducted an extensive search operation to locate people trapped under the debris.
Preliminary investigations had suggested that renovation work and excavation in the basement may have weakened the building’s foundation, potentially leading to the collapse.
An investigation was subsequently launched, and action was initiated against the building owner and others in connection with the incident.
Meanwhile, rescue operations continue at Chawri Bazar as authorities race against time to find anyone who may still be trapped beneath the debris.