'Tonnes of Debris, Glimmers of Hope': 9 Pulled Alive As Crews Scramble to Save Several Trapped In South Delhi Building Collapse

New Delhi: At least nine people have so far been rescued hours after a five-storey building collapsed in South Delhi's Mehrauli police station area, with six people feared to be trapped as a rescue operation is underway, officials said on Saturday night.

The incident took place around 7:44 pm when a building partially under construction collapsed in the Saeedulajab area near a busy metro corridor, leaving behind a massive pile of debris. Reportedly, the structure housed a coaching institute, cafes, and offices, with active construction work taking place on the third floor when it suddenly crashed down.

Search and rescue efforts intensify

Meanwhile, immediately after the collapse was reported, emergency teams rushed to the scene where the Delhi Fire Service led the initial response, expanding their operation as the true scale of the disaster became apparent.

To assist with clearing the debris, reinforcement teams, senior officials, and specialized rescue gear- including water tenders and light vehicles-were deployed to the site. By evening, the complete collapse of the structure was confirmed, drawing in reinforcement from multiple emergency agencies.

"I want to see my mother": Kin 

The relatives of the missing people hope for reunion with their loved ones as soon as possible. A relative complained about the lack of proper response from the police administration, who are involved in the rescue operation.

"The police are here, we are asking about our family members? There is no response. Local people were handling the situation better than the police. They rescued three people, but the police only rescued two people... No one has the answer to my questions. What is the meaning of freedom of speech? If leaders come, then only they do something. This building was being constructed at a risk, and we also complained. I want to see my mother, but they are not allowing me to go outside," she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Jaswant, President of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG), claimed that two people are feared to be dead. However their is yet no official confirmation.

"Till now, nine to ten people have been rescued. Out of which, our medical doctor, who is preparing for FMG or PG, was here in the mess. Till now, two of them have died, and the remaining two have been discharged. No one is being allowed inside... Everyone's parents are worried. If cranes are not available in the centre, facilities are not available in the centre, then what will be the fate of the rest of the people?. The current situation is very wrong, and there is a lot of panic," he said.

What DCP said

Speaking with the media, South Delhi DCP Anant Mittal said that police reached the spot immediately after receiving the information.

He informed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Fire Services, and the Delhi police are engaged in the joint rescue operation.

"A building has collapsed, and right after that, we got a call regarding this. Immediately, maximum staff from the Mehrauli Police Station arrived at the spot, and it was seen that an old building had collapsed. Its debris has fallen on a structure. It is being told that a canteen of some medical students was running there, and some people might be trapped in it. Till now, our staff has rescued around nine people from here... By creating a green corridor, we have evacuated multiple ambulances from here, and right now the rescue efforts are being done by NDRF, DDMA, Fire and Police, and will continue to do so," he stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Warden, Headquarters Civil Defence, Dharamvir Sejwal said, "All of my seniors are here. 5 to 6 people are still trapped. Rescue work is underway. This is a commercial area," he said. 

An eyewitness stated that his aunt is stuck under the debris as the rescue operation is underway.

"Some people must still be stuck there. It was at least a 5-storey building. My aunt is still stuck there," he said.

Delhi CM Oversees Rescue Efforts

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed deep concern over the incident.

In a post on X, the CM wrote, “Deeply concerned by the building collapse incident near Saket Metro Station. Teams from NDRF, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, MCD, CATS and Civil Defence are carrying out rescue operations on a war footing. Every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped and provide immediate assistance to the affected families. The situation is being closely monitored, and all concerned agencies are working in coordination. The safety and well-being of every citizen remain our highest priority.”

Race Against Time

As darkness set in, the rescue mission intensified into a race against the clock amid rising fears that additional victims remained trapped beneath tonnes of concrete rubble.

While authorities have yet to comment on what caused the disaster, a thorough investigation is expected to begin once the rescue operations are wrapped up. Further details are awaited as the search continues.

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