A three-storey commercial building collapsed in South Delhi’s Saidulajab area near Saket Metro station on Saturday evening, leaving a large pile of debris and triggering a major rescue operation. According to officials, at least 12 people have been rescued so far, including several who were pulled out in critical condition, while search operations are still underway to ensure no one remains trapped under the rubble.
The incident occurred around 7:30–7:45 pm when the building, which housed coaching centres, small offices, and eateries, suddenly gave way and collapsed completely. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise followed by a cloud of dust as the structure crumbled within seconds. Nearby temporary structures, including a tin-shed canteen, were also damaged in the impact.
Emergency teams from the Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and district administration quickly reached the spot and began coordinated rescue efforts. Heavy machinery such as excavators was deployed to clear the debris layer by layer as rescuers searched for survivors trapped beneath concrete slabs and twisted iron rods.
Officials said that several students and staff members were present inside and around the building at the time of the collapse. Some victims were inside coaching institutes preparing for competitive exams, while others were dining in the adjacent canteen when the structure came down.
Local residents described scenes of panic, with people rushing to help before rescue teams arrived. Cries for help were reportedly heard from under the debris in the initial hours of the operation, raising fears that more people could still be trapped.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Preliminary focus is on structural safety, construction activity on upper floors, and whether proper permissions were followed. A case is expected to be registered once responsibility is established.
As of now, officials say the exact number of people who may have been inside the building is still being verified. Rescue teams continue to work through the night, and hospitals in the area remain on alert for incoming casualties.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about building safety standards and unauthorized construction in densely populated commercial zones of Delhi.
