Delhi Building Collapse Results in Five Fatalities, Including Two Minor Sisters

Five bodies, including those of two young sisters, were recovered from the debris of a collapsed four-storey building in Burari, North Delhi. The incident occurred last evening, and police have charged the property owner. An FIR has been filed against Yogendra Bhati and others under sections related to culpable homicide and common intention, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police North Raja Banthia.

The newly-built structure near Oscar Public School collapsed late on Monday. So far, five bodies have been found, and 12 individuals have been rescued. The deceased include Saadhna, aged 17, and seven-year-old Radhika. Others are Anil Gupta, 42, and labourers Md Sarfaraz, 22, and Md Qadir, 40. Injured individuals include Lalta Prasad, his wife Savita, and their six children.

Rescue Efforts Continue

Rescue operations are ongoing with personnel from various agencies like police, fire services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on site. The area has been cordoned off as authorities gather more information to determine if more people remain trapped. Banthia stated that multiple teams have been formed to investigate the incident thoroughly.

The Delhi Police received information about the collapse around 7 pm on Monday. The building spanned 200 square yards. Following the report, rescue operations were initiated by Delhi Police and Delhi Fire Services. The local administration has appointed an incident commander to oversee the situation and ensure nearby buildings are evacuated for safety checks.

Community Reactions and Compensation

At the scene, many awaited news about their loved ones who worked as labourers in the building. Md Bariq shared that his brother Md Sarfaraz was among those trapped. "I work at another site and got a call about the collapse," he said. Arif also hoped for his relatives' safety but later learned of Md Qadir's death.

AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each adult victim's family and Rs 5 lakh for families of minor victims. "We hope the central government announces compensation soon," Jha stated. Victims' families demanded strict action against the building owner as well.

Witness Accounts and Official Statements

Witnesses described hearing a loud noise followed by a dust cloud. "It took us over five minutes to understand what happened," one witness said. They quickly informed police and fire officials about the incident. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reported that the stilt plus four floors building had completely collapsed.

The MCD deployed eight JCBs, two cranes, two trucks, and one hydra machine for rescue efforts. NDRF teams also arrived to assist in rescuing people and getting them hospitalised at Burari Hospital. According to local residents, the building was located at khasra No. 75/12/1 of Burari Village Kaushik Enclave.

The area falls under a Development Area as per notification, with DDA monitoring unauthorised constructions there. Notices have been issued to nearby properties sharing the same khasra number under section 30(1) of the DDA Act.