A tragic building collapse in Delhi’s Mustafabad area early on Saturday morning has claimed the lives of at least four individuals, with several others feared trapped beneath the debris. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to save those still stuck under the rubble. The incident occurred around 3 a.m., prompting swift action from emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Police, and Delhi Fire Services.
Rescue Operations in Progress
After the building’s collapse, emergency teams immediately launched rescue operations. So far, 14 people have been rescued, while four have tragically lost their lives. Senior police officer Sandeep Lamba reported that about 8 to 10 individuals are still feared trapped under the debris. The rescued individuals have been taken to the nearby GTB hospital for medical treatment. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, and officials are examining all possible factors contributing to this tragedy.
Pancake Collapse and Survival Chances
Describing the collapse as a “pancake collapse,” an official explained that the chances of finding survivors are minimal due to the severity of the incident. Despite the odds, the rescue teams continue their efforts in the hope that more lives can be saved. NDRF Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahidi expressed that the search is being conducted slowly but thoroughly. The challenging task is further complicated by the cramped space in the area, limiting the use of heavy machinery that could assist in clearing the debris more quickly.
A CCTV camera in a nearby alley captured the exact moment of the collapse. The footage showed a sudden spark followed by a thick cloud of dust, which obstructed further recording. Fire officials were alerted to the situation around 2:50 a.m. and arrived at the scene to find the entire building had collapsed. The NDRF and Delhi Fire Services teams are working together to rescue any survivors, with efforts intensified by the presence of thunderstorms and gusty winds that were affecting parts of Delhi at the time.
This tragedy comes on the heels of another recent building collapse in the region, which claimed a life during a dust storm. Meanwhile, a similar incident in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut also left five family members dead after their house collapsed during a storm on the same day.
