A newly constructed four-storey (ground-plus-three) building collapsed suddenly in Delhi's Rohini Sector-16 on Wednesday evening, killing three people and trapping several others under the debris. After an extensive rescue operation lasting several hours, one worker was pulled out alive from the rubble. Police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Delhi Fire Service and other emergency agencies jointly carried out the rescue operation. An FIR has been registered under the relevant provisions of law, and an investigation has been initiated.

 

According to Rohini District Deputy Commissioner of Police Shashank Jaiswal, a PCR call was received at around 4:28 p.m. on Wednesday reporting the collapse of a newly constructed building at House Nos. 151-152, G-4 Pocket, Sector-16, Rohini. A police team from K.N. Katju Marg Police Station immediately rushed to the spot and found that the entire structure had collapsed, with debris scattered across the adjoining road. Local residents informed the police that several workers and other individuals were inside the building when it gave way and had become trapped beneath the rubble.

 

Soon after the incident, teams from the NDRF, Delhi Fire Service, TPDDL and other agencies reached the site and launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation using heavy machinery and specialised equipment. During the operation, worker Saddam (34) was rescued alive from the debris after several hours. He was immediately shifted to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.

 

Rescue personnel later recovered the bodies of three victims from the collapsed structure. The deceased were identified as Ram (42), Noorul Huda alias Kafe (20), and Ram Dua (51). Ram was a local resident and worked as a tailor. Noorul Huda hailed from Bahraich district and was employed as a construction labourer. Ram Dua was reported to be the father of the building's owner. All three were taken to hospital, where doctors declared them dead.

 

Preliminary investigations indicate that the building had been constructed recently and some construction-related work was still underway when the structure suddenly collapsed. The victims had little opportunity to escape as the building came down within moments. Residents rushed to the site after hearing a loud crash and began rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.

 

Following the incident, the entire area was cordoned off as a precautionary measure. Debris removal continued late into the night to ensure that no one else remained trapped beneath the rubble. According to police officials, the rescue operation has been largely completed, although clearance work is continuing as a safety measure.

 

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the construction of the building, including scrutiny of the approved building plan, the quality of construction materials used and compliance with prescribed safety standards. Based on the preliminary findings, an FIR has been registered under the relevant legal provisions. Investigators will also determine whether negligence or violations of construction regulations contributed to the collapse. If any lapses are established, strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible.