A three-story under-construction building collapsed in the Rohini area of Delhi on Wednesday, resulting in the death of one person and injuring several others. The incident occurred at 4.20 pm near an MCD school in Sector 16 of Rohini, with heavy rain lashing several parts of the national capital at the time. Authorities have not confirmed whether the rainfall contributed to the collapse.
According to police, around five people are still feared to be trapped under the debris. The deceased individual was identified as Ram, 42, who was brought dead to the hospital at around 5 pm. Three others, including Saddham, 32, were rescued and admitted to Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital for treatment.
Saddham sustained fractures to the pelvis and arm and is currently stable, hospital officials said. A massive rescue operation was launched by police, the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Revenue Department, and other emergency agencies. Heavy equipment, including hydraulic cutters and JCB machines, was deployed to remove the debris carefully without endangering those trapped underneath.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini) Shashank Jaiswal confirmed that one person was brought dead to the hospital and added that rescue efforts are ongoing. Locals rushed towards the site after hearing a loud crashing sound followed by cries for help from beneath the rubble. Before specialised rescue teams arrived, residents began removing bricks, broken concrete slabs, and twisted iron rods with their bare hands in a desperate attempt to save those trapped.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) stated that the collapsed structures were recently constructed buildings that had received sanctioned building plans under the SARAL Scheme. The civic body’s preliminary inspection report suggested that the collapse may have been caused by structural failure and/or differential settlement of the foundation. However, the exact cause could not be conclusively determined at this stage and would be established only after a detailed technical examination.
Local MLA Kulwant Rana mentioned that the owner of the under-construction building was also suspected to be trapped beneath the rubble. Rana expressed condolences over the death of a person in the collapse and said the government would ensure that the victim’s family received appropriate compensation. Rana also alleged that poor-quality construction may have contributed to the collapse.
AAP councillor from Rohini A Ward, Pradeep Mittal, promised strict action against anyone found responsible. Mittal stated that directions had already been given to ensure strict compliance with building by-laws, and if any lapses were found despite those instructions, those responsible would face stringent action. A detailed investigation has been initiated, and all aspects, including adherence to sanctioned plans, construction quality, possible structural modifications, and the role of those associated with the project, would be examined.
Statements of labourers, locals, engineers, and other concerned persons would be recorded as part of the probe. Rescue teams continued combing through the debris late into the night amid fears that more people remained trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Authorities said the focus remained on saving every possible life before shifting attention to determining the precise cause of the collapse and assigning responsibility.
