Several feared trapped after four-storey building collapses in Delhi

Multiple individuals are feared to be trapped following the collapse of a four-storey building in the Welcome Police Station area of Delhi’s Janta Mazdoor Colony on Saturday, as reported by the news agency. The Fire Department indicated that three to four people have been saved and transported to the hospital, while many others are thought to be beneath the rubble. A video illustrated locals helping to remove the debris and contribute to the rescue operations.

Speaking to reporters, Additional DCP of North East Delhi, Sandeep Lamba, said rescue operations are ongoing and the exact number of people trapped is still being assessed. “We are still estimating the number of people trapped inside. Seven people have been rescued. The fire brigade and police team are working. NDRF team is also here,” he said.

Seven fire tenders have been deployed to the site, and rescue operations are currently underway.

“We have received a call regarding a building collapse at 7 am. Multiple teams are working, including seven fire tenders. Further information is awaited,” a police officer told.

Asma, a resident of the area, described the moment the building collapsed in Janata Colony’s A block.

“This is A block Janata Colony. It was about 7:45 am, I was resting on my cot and then suddenly heard a deafening sound… I came outside and saw a pall of dust all around. Everyone started shouting, crying. I don’t know how many people were present here when it happened. They had 10 people in the family, I don’t know how many of them are under the rubble,” she told.

The collapse on Saturday comes after the death of a 45-year-old man early Friday, when three dilapidated commercial structures fell near a Delhi Metro tunnelling location in Azad Market, North Delhi.

The event occurred at approximately 2 am in the Pul Mithai region, located within the “influence zone” of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s (DMRC) tunneling project for the Janakpuri West–RK Ashram Marg corridor.

After the incident, the DMRC declared an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the family of the victim. The agency mentioned that it had previously alerted the building owners, deeming the structures hazardous and recommending evacuation prior to the commencement of tunnelling work.

The buildings in question – two four-story buildings and one three-story building – were approximately 30 years old and utilized as retail spaces for the storage and sale of bags and canvas materials. Authorities indicated that around 25 individuals usually operated in the structures known as 5A, 6A, and 7A, but only one person was on-site during the collapse since it took place after business hours (10 am to 8 pm). A truck that was parked close by was similarly crushed beneath the debris.