Heavy rainfall in the national capital led to a major Delhi building collapse on Wednesday evening after an under-construction three-storey structure came crashing down in Rohini Sector 16. Rescue teams rushed to the site after reports emerged that several people could be trapped beneath the debris. The incident has once again raised concerns over construction safety during the monsoon season as emergency personnel continue search operations.
Delhi building collapse triggers large-scale rescue operation
According to NDTV, the Delhi building collapse occurred around 4.20 pm when the under-construction building suddenly gave way following continuous rainfall across the city. According to officials, the Delhi Fire Services immediately deployed four fire tenders after receiving the distress call.
Police personnel, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other emergency agencies reached the location within minutes. Two people were safely rescued from the debris, while search operations continued amid fears that more workers could still be trapped.
Residents living nearby rushed to the site after hearing a loud crash and joined rescue teams in removing bricks, concrete slabs, and twisted steel rods. Videos from the scene showed rescuers using hydraulic cutters and specialised equipment to carefully lift heavy debris without endangering those underneath.
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Heavy rain compounds rescue efforts
According to NDTV, persistent rainfall across Delhi has made rescue operations more challenging. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and orange alerts earlier in the day, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and wind speeds of up to 40 kmph.
Several areas across the city witnessed severe waterlogging, including Sadar Bazar, Greater Kailash, Badarpur, Nasirpur, Swarup Nagar, Kushak Road, Mahavir Bazar and Teliwara. Knee-deep water disrupted traffic and slowed emergency response in multiple locations.
Officials continue to monitor weather conditions as rescue teams work through unstable debris.
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DDA clarifies jurisdiction after collapse
According to NDTV, following the Delhi building collapse, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) clarified that the area had been denotified in 2016 and subsequently handed over to the local civic body. According to the authority, responsibility for monitoring construction activities in the locality now rests with the concerned municipal agency.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of people present inside the structure at the time of the collapse. Rescue teams remain on-site as efforts continue to locate anyone still trapped beneath the rubble.
