Tragic Building Collapse in Delhi: Rescue Operations Underway

Building Collapse in Seelampur, Delhi

A devastating incident occurred in the Seelampur area of Delhi when a four-story building suddenly collapsed. Rescue teams have successfully retrieved eight individuals from the debris, but there are concerns that more people may still be trapped beneath the rubble. Emergency services, including police and fire brigades, quickly arrived at the scene to assist in the rescue efforts, with local residents also lending a hand in clearing the debris.

Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Currently, reports indicate that four fatalities have been confirmed, although official confirmation from the police is pending. Earlier today, the bodies of a man and a woman were recovered from the wreckage. The police have confirmed two deaths so far. Various rescue teams, including the Delhi Police, fire department, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are actively engaged in the operation, while a large crowd of local residents has gathered at the site. The densely populated area, characterized by narrow streets, is complicating rescue efforts.

Details of the Incident

According to police reports, the building collapsed around 7:04 AM near Welcome, specifically in A-Block, Street Number 5, Janata Colony. Upon arrival, the police found that three floors of the building had collapsed. Senior officials from the fire department and other agencies are present at the site, and the rescue operation is ongoing. So far, eight individuals have been rescued, with seven sent to JP Hospital and one to GTB Hospital for treatment.

Eyewitness Accounts

Sandeep Lamba, the Additional DCP of the North-East district, stated, "We received information this morning about the collapse of a three-story building in Janata Colony, Welcome area. The building belonged to an individual named Matloof. The adjacent building also sustained damage. Rescue operations are ongoing to retrieve those trapped in the debris, with police, NDRF, civil defense, and local residents working together. We suspect that 3-4 individuals may still be trapped."

Anis Ahmed Ansari, whose home was damaged by the collapse, recounted, "Everyone was asleep when the building next to mine fell around 7 AM, and its debris landed on my house. Suddenly, the power went out. 4-5 people are still trapped under the collapsed building, and everyone is engaged in rescue efforts."

Identified Individuals Rescued from the Debris

Individuals Rescued:
1. Parvez (32) son of Abdul
2. Naved (19) son of Abdul
3. Siza (21) wife of Parvez
4. Deepa (56) wife of Govind
5. Govind (60) son of Ram Charan
6. Ravi Kashyap (27) son of Ram Charan
7. Jyoti (27) wife of Ravi Kashyap
8. Ahmed (14 months) son of Parvez

Official Response

Delhi government minister Kapil Mishra visited the site and remarked, "The NDRF team is present, but the narrow alley makes it challenging to remove debris by any means other than by hand. Conducting rescue operations here is very difficult, but we all hope to clear the debris as soon as possible. There are concerns that some individuals may be trapped, and we are making every effort to rescue them. This is a tragic incident, and we have received reports of two fatalities so far."

Previous Incident in Azad Market

In a related incident, a building collapsed in the Azad Market area during tunnel construction for the Janakpuri West-RK Ashram Metro corridor, resulting in the death of Manoj Sharma (45). The local police have registered a case of negligence leading to death, and the Delhi Metro has announced a financial aid of five lakh rupees to Manoj's family. An investigation into the matter has also been initiated by the metro management.