July 12,2025 — A multi-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Sabzi Mandi area on Friday, triggering a massive rescue operation as several individuals are feared to be trapped under the debris. At least three people have been pulled out alive and rushed to a nearby hospital with injuries, officials confirmed.
Emergency services including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, and local police rushed to the scene soon after the collapse was reported around midday. The building, reportedly an old structure with suspected structural vulnerabilities, crumbled suddenly, sending shockwaves through the densely populated neighborhood.
Rescue teams deployed specialized equipment including sniffer dogs, thermal sensors, and cranes to clear the debris and locate survivors. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as residents and shopkeepers scrambled to safety amid the dust and rubble.
“We heard a loud sound and within seconds, the building came down. People rushed to help before emergency services arrived,” said a local resident.
Officials from the fire department stated that more individuals are suspected to be trapped beneath the collapsed structure. The operation is being conducted under tight coordination, with medical teams and ambulances on standby at the site.
Preliminary assessments suggest the building may have collapsed due to structural weaknesses or illegal modifications. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated an inquiry to determine if the building had clearance for occupancy and whether safety norms were violated.
Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena visited the site and assured strict action against those found responsible. “A high-level investigation has been ordered. If any negligence is proven, those accountable will face strict consequences,” Saxena told reporters.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed concern over the incident and said that the government is closely monitoring the situation. “All rescue agencies are at the site. Prayers for those trapped, and I urge residents to avoid the area to allow smooth relief efforts,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This incident has once again raised serious questions about the condition of old and unregulated buildings in the capital, particularly in older commercial and residential pockets. Civic authorities are expected to conduct safety audits in the coming weeks to prevent such tragedies.
As of late evening, rescue operations were ongoing with hopes of locating more survivors. Authorities have urged citizens to stay away from the site to avoid obstructing the operation.
