Delhi building collapse: A four-storey building collapsed in the northeast of Delhi’s Welcome locality early Saturday morning, killing two people and 8 injured. According to the police, several people could be trapped under the debris. The collapse took place around 7 am in Gali no-5 of Janta Colony in Seelampur, prompting immediate action from the emergency services. Several rescue teams, along with seven fire engines, have been sent to the site for the rescue operation and for clearing the rubble.

Locals were the first to respond

Eyewitnesses stated that many residents were out for morning walks when the building collapsed. Locals also acted quickly and tried to send to rescue those who were trapped inside before the emergency services joined.

A senior police officer stated to  PTI, “A call was received regarding a building collapse at 7 am. Multiple agencies, including fire department units, are on the spot. Rescue operations are undergoing and further details are awaited.”

According to Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg, “A total of seven fire tenders rushed to the site. Three people were rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital. Search operation continues.”

A family of ten lived in the building

Among those who were trapped were ten members of a family who stayed inside the building, and a few others were from nearby. As per the latest update, two bodies of a man and a woman have been taken out from the debris and have been sent to GTB Hospital. Eight people who have been injured have been sent to hospitals. Seven out of them have been sent to JPC, and one to GTB Hospital.

Additional DCP (Northeast) Sandeep Lamba stated to PTI that the building is owned by Matloob, who stayed there with his family.  Nobody used to live on the ground and first floors. The collapse of the building also damaged the adjoining building.

Among the survivors are Parvez (32), his spouse Siza (21), their 14-month-old son Ahmad, and Parvez’s younger brother Naved (19). Others who were standing near the building and got injured are Ravi Kashyap (27) and his brother Govind (60), and their wives Deepa (56) and Jyoti (27). Anees Ahmad Ansari, a resident of the building on the street, also got injured as the debris hit his home.

Northeast Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari’s reaction

Northeast Delhi MP, Manoj Tiwari, also shared an update from the site on his official account on X. He highlighted that the narrow 2-3 feet wide lanes are posing a risk for the rescue operation. “NDRF teams are on the spot. Four people have been rescued and are out of danger. Sadly. Two fatalities have occurred. There’s a possibility that one or two more people may still be trapped,” he stated. Tiwari also appealed to the residents to avoid entering the lane till the rescue operations are over.