By Sulagna Halder
NEW DELHI:
Rescue operation is underway after a four storey building collapsed in Seelampur, northeast Delhi, trapping several people under debris. The incident occurred at approximately 7 a.m. on 12 July, according to the Delhi Fire Service, which received an urgent call from Gali No. 5, Janta Colony, near Idgah Road.
First responders, including seven fire tenders and multiple teams from Delhi Police and the NDRF, reached the scene swiftly and began extracting the injured and possibly trapped residents. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast), Sandeep Lamba, confirmed: “A call was received at 7 a.m. Multiple agencies, including fire department units, are on the spot. Rescue operations are undergoing and further details are awaited.”
Initial efforts have already saved four individuals from the rubble, who have been rushed to local hospitals for medical care. However, at least three others remain trapped, with officials warning that more may be buried deep within collapsed floors.
Evacuation and rescue efforts were complicated by the narrow lanes of Seelampur, which prevented the use of heavy machinery. Local residents, including early morning walkers and neighbours, immediately formed human chains to help remove debris. “As the building collapsed, the rubble hit our building and I also got injured. Everyone, including locals, is busy trying to rescue the family. We hope that they are safe.” Anees Ahmad Ansari, whose property was damaged.
Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg stated, “Seven fire tenders rushed to the site. Three people were rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital. Search operation continues.”
The cause of the collapse is not yet known. Investigators from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and local authorities are collecting structural data and first responders have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. Authorities caution that unstable debris may pose additional risks. Asma, who lives in the neighbourhood, told PTI, “Around 7 a.m., I was in my house when I heard a loud noise and there was dust all over. When I came down, I saw that our neighbour’s home has collapsed.” “We don’t know how many are trapped but a family of 10 people lives there,” she said.
The collapse marks the second such incident in less than 24 hours in Delhi, heightening fears over the structural safety of ageing buildings in densely populated areas. Just yesterday, a four storey structure fell in Seelampur itself, although no fatalities were reported.
Local civic groups and residents have demanded swift action from Delhi’s Disaster Management Authority, urging comprehensive safety inspections, especially in old localities that have seen little maintenance. “We need immediate audits of vulnerable buildings before more lives are put at risk,” said local activist Ramesh Tiwari.
Authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid the affected streets to allow unobstructed rescue operations. Emergency hotline numbers have been issued and affected families are being directed to relief centres set up by the Delhi Government.
As search and rescue teams continue combing through rubble, the focus remains on finding survivors. With daylight returning, rescuers have intensified efforts using specialised equipment to break through concrete slabs and dense debris.
The building collapse has again spotlighted the urgent need for urban planning reforms and regular building safety audits in Delhi. Neighbourhood residents and activists await a detailed investigation report, hoping it will lead to concrete measures that prevent future tragedies.
