New Delhi: A two-storey building in Bapa Nagar in Delhi's Karol Bagh collapsed on Wednesday morning, claiming 3 lives and 14 others sustained injuries and leaving several occupants feared trapped under the debris. The incident occurred around 9.11 am, prompting an immediate response from the Delhi Fire Sevices, which dispatched five fire tenders to the scene.
Authorities said that emergency personnel, including members of the Delhi Police, have been working diligently to conduct rescue operations. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as locals gathered around, expressing concern for those believed to be trapped inside the collapsed structure.
Initial reports suggest that the building's collapse may have been exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall in the area, which has caused structural vulnerabilities in various buildings across the city.
DCP Central M Harsh Vardhan said that the information regarding the collapse was received at the Prasad Nagar Police station. While eight people have been successfully rescued, concerns remain that more occupants may still be trapped under the debris.
करोल बाग इलाक़े में मकान गिरने का ये हादसा बेहद दुखद है। मैंने ज़िलाअधिकारी को आदेश दिए हैं कि वहां रहने वाले लोगों और पीड़ितों की हर संभव मदद करें, कोई घायल है तो उसका इलाज कराएँ और इस हादसे के कारणों का पता लगाएँ। हादसे को लेकर निगम मेयर से भी बात हुई हैं।
— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) September 18, 2024
इस साल बहुत बारिश… https://t.co/CfnLlIb6hx
"The rescue efforts involve local police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Delhi Fire Services. No fatalities have been confirmed so far," DCP added.
In response to the incident, Delhi Chief Minister-designate Atishi has instructed the District Magistrate to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families. She expressed her condolences on social media, emphasising the need for immediate support for those injured and a thorough investigation into the causes of the collapse.
Atishi also urged the public to report any potential hazards related to building safety, highlighting the increased risk following the recent heavy rainfall in the region. In a post on X, Atishi reached out to the Municipal Corporation Mayor to discuss preventive measures and ensure the community's safety.
Similar incidents in the recent past:
On September 13, 2024, a house collapsed in the Nabi Karima area of Delhi amid rain. One person died while two were seriously injured.
On September 7, 2024, a house collapsed due to rain in the jurisdiction of the Jarcha police station area of Greater Noida. Seven people of the same family were buried under the debris of the house and later pulled out. There was no loss of life.
