A devastating incident struck Burari in north Delhi on Monday evening when a newly constructed four-storey building near Oscar Public School collapsed, leaving at least three people dead, including two young girls.
The rescue operations are still underway as authorities scramble to free others potentially trapped under the rubble.
The deceased have been identified as Saadhna, 17, and Radhika, 7. A third individual, a man, has yet to be identified. In addition to the three confirmed fatalities, 12 people have been rescued from the debris, according to Delhi Police.
The building, located in a 200-square-yard area, collapsed around 7 pm on Monday. Authorities were alerted promptly, triggering an immediate response from the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Rescue operations continued throughout the night, with officials warning that more people could still be trapped inside.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure that everyone who is trapped is rescued safely. However, the situation remains very precarious,” said a police officer involved in the operation. “Our teams are working tirelessly to remove the debris and locate any survivors.”
Delhi Police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Multiple teams are being deployed to gather further information, with legal action expected to be taken against the building owner.
Delhi's Chief Minister, Atishi, expressed her condolences and assured the public that all necessary help would be provided. “This incident is extremely sad. I have spoken to the local administration to ensure speedy relief and rescue operations. All possible help will be provided to the affected people,” she said in a statement posted on social media.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also responded swiftly, directing the local MLA, Sanjeev Jha, to assist in the relief efforts. “This is a very tragic incident. Our MLA from Burari, Sanjeev Jha, has been instructed to immediately go to the site with party workers and help the administration in relief and rescue operations,” Kejriwal wrote on social media.
In a video released on Tuesday morning, Delhi Fire Services Chief Atul Garg provided an update on the operation. “Some of our personnel have been on the site since last night without rest. We are coordinating with other agencies to help remove the debris and rescue the trapped individuals,” Garg said.
(With PTI inputs)
