Building Collapses in Delhi's Seemapuri; 3 Killed, 8 Rescuedਸੀਮਾਪੁਰੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਮਾਰਤ ਢਹਿ ਗਈ: 3 ਮਾਰੇ ਗਏ, 8 ਬਚਾਏ ਗਏ, ਬਚਾਅ ਕਾਰਜ ਜਾਰੀ

A four-storey residential building collapsed in northeast Delhi's Seemapuri area on Wednesday afternoon, October 7, killing at least three people, including a child, and burying portions of two to three adjoining houses under the debris. Rescue teams worked through the evening to pull survivors from the rubble, and several people were feared trapped.

The Delhi Fire Service received a call about the front portion of the building collapsing at around 3:30 pm and rushed fire tenders to the spot. Delhi Police, civil defence personnel, civic officials and ambulances joined the search and rescue operation, which continued into the night.

According to reports, three people were killed in the collapse, including a child around five years old. At least seven people were injured, among them a three-year-old child, and eight people were rescued from the debris. Officials said a few more could still be trapped.

How are rescue operations unfolding?

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Rajendra Prasad Meena told reporters that some people had been rescued and sent to hospitals while two to three were suspected to be trapped under the debris. He said rescuers were in contact with those believed to be under the rubble and that the operation was underway with all agencies present at the scene.

Local residents joined the rescue effort, clearing bricks and rubble with their bare hands to help those believed to be trapped. The Delhi Traffic Police advised commuters to avoid the area around Seemapuri Gol Chakkar and DLF Bhopura, warning people not to stop, park or gather near the site so ambulances and rescue vehicles could move freely.

What do we know about the building?

The building stood near the fish market and the Eidgah in New Seemapuri. Reports described it as a four to five-storey residential structure spread over a small plot of around 225 square feet, with shops on the ground floor and different families living on each of the floors above. The building owner's family also lived there and was feared trapped.

Municipal councillor Pankaj Luthra said the building was around 40 to 50 years old and that four to five people had already been rescued from the debris. The exact cause of the collapse was not yet known, and officials said an investigation would establish what led to the failure of the aging structure.

A second tragedy in a month

The collapse comes barely a month after a five-storey PG building in southwest Delhi's Satya Niketan came crashing down on September 6, leaving seven people dead and 12 injured. The back-to-back incidents have renewed questions about the safety of aging buildings in the capital and the enforcement of structural inspections.

How many people died in the Seemapuri building collapse?

At least three people were killed, including a child around five years old. Eight people were rescued and several were injured; officials said a few more could still be trapped as the search continued.

What caused the building to collapse?

Officials have not yet confirmed a cause. Reports said the building was around 40 to 50 years old, and an investigation into the structural failure is expected.

Which agencies are handling the rescue?

The Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, civil defence personnel, MCD officials and the district administration are at the scene, with ambulances and fire tenders deployed.