At least two people have died and eight others sustained injuries after a four-storey building collapsed on Saturday morning in Delhi’s Janta Mazdoor Colony. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. in A Block of the colony, which falls under the jurisdiction of Welcome Police Station.
Rescue teams fear that several individuals may still be trapped under the debris. Among those believed to be buried are ten members of a single family who were residing in the building, along with a few passersby who were nearby at the time of the collapse.
The Delhi Fire Services confirmed that a man and a woman were found dead under the rubble. Their bodies have been transported to GTB Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Eight other victims have been rushed to nearby hospitals with varying degrees of injury. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing.
Seven fire tenders have been deployed to the site, and personnel from multiple emergency services are on the ground coordinating the effort.
“We received a call regarding the collapse at around 7 a.m. Multiple teams are working at the site, including seven fire tenders. Further details will emerge as the rescue progresses," said a senior police officer.
Local residents have been left shaken by the sudden disaster. Asma, a resident of the area, recounted the moment the building gave way.
“This is A Block, Janata Colony. It was about 7:45 a.m. I was resting on my cot when I heard a deafening sound… I came outside and saw a pall of dust all around. Everyone started shouting, crying,” she said. “I don't know how many people were present here when it happened. That family had ten members. I don't know how many of them are under the rubble," she added.
Authorities have cordoned off the area, and an investigation is expected to follow once the rescue operation concludes.
