Building collapse in Delhi's Burari traps 15

A four-storey building collapsed in north Delhi's Burari. Till late evening, 12 people were rescued in a massive operation. Nearly 15 more people were feared to be stuck under the debris. The incident occurred in Kaushik Enclave near Oscar Public School.

According to police, the building, which was recently constructed and spread across 200 square yards, came crashing down around 6.30 pm. Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received the emergency call at 6.56 pm and nine fire tenders were deployed at the site immediately. Sixty firefighters were conducting the rescue operations.

"Our teams, along with police and NDRF personnel, are trying to locate and save those trapped under the rubble," a DFS official said.

"Initial reports suggested structural weakness as a possible cause for the building collapse, though investigations are ongoing. The area has been cordoned off by police to prevent any further accidents and facilitate rescue operations," the official added.

Inquiry revealed that false ceiling work was underway, and labourers were residing on the premises. The incident sparked chaos in the area, with residents thinking that it might have been an earthquake or a gas cylinder blast.

An MCD official claimed that the colony where the incident occurred fell under the jurisdiction of Delhi Development Authority. "However, MCD has pressed its men and machinery into the rescue action." There was no immediate response from DDA in this regard.

Former chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal expressed concern over the incident on social media. "This incident is very sad," Kejriwal posted.

All the rescued individuals were sent to a nearby hospital and their conditions were being assessed. Four of the injured were females, including a 16-year-old girl.

A police officer said that a thorough investigation might be launched to find out the exact cause of the collapse. "It will be examined whether proper construction guidelines were followed."