With rescue operations underway in Seemapuri, nearly eight people have been rescued, while five are reported missing as emergency forces search for those trapped under the debris of the collapsed building.
At around 3:30 pm on Wednesday, a four-storey building measuring 225 square feet crumbled in Delhi’s Seemapuri area. Nearly four fire engines were rushed to the spot as soon as locals informed the authorities.
The building that collapsed is located near Machhli Mandi. Delhi Police have reached the spot and are assisting in the rescue and relief operation.
The incident comes on the heels of the collapse of a five-storey hostel in Delhi’s Satya Niketan, which killed seven students and labourers a month ago.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shahdara Rajendra Prasad Meena, interacting with the media, said, “It’s a four-storey building measuring 225 square feet. Some people have been rescued and sent to hospitals, but we suspect that two to three people are still trapped under the debris. They are talking… rescue operation is underway.”
The Delhi Traffic Police updated locals about the collapsed building through a post on its X handle.
Traffic in and around Seemapuri, Gol Chakkar, DLF Bhopura and adjoining roads was affected.
“Every clear lane gives an ambulance and rescue vehicle a faster way through. Please avoid the area if possible. Do not stop, park or gather near the site, and follow the directions of traffic personnel,” it said in its post.
Pictures from the site are going viral on social media, showing scores of people standing amidst the rubble, with some tossing aside slabs of rock using their bare hands in an effort to clear the passage and search for those trapped.
According to locals, the building had developed cracks following the tremors felt in Delhi and the NCR due to an earthquake in Uttarakhand on Tuesday night. Officials, however, said the actual cause of the collapse will be determined following an investigation.