A four-storey building in north Delhi’s congested Punjabi Basti area of Subzi Mandi collapsed, bringing down parts of two adjacent buildings and trapping 22 people under debris. A swift multi-agency rescue operation, involving the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and medical teams, successfully evacuated all trapped individuals by morning, with some sustaining minor injuries treated at Bara Hindu Rao Hospital.
The collapsed structure, long declared unsafe by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and vacated, had been a concern for residents who repeatedly warned authorities and the building’s owners about its deteriorating condition. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia, a police call was received at 3:00 AM near Buta Singh Gurudwara, prompting an immediate response. The rescue effort included two fire tenders, six PCR vans, four ambulances, and support from the sub-divisional magistrate’s office.
The collapse caused significant damage to nearby buildings, destroying goods worth approximately Rs 50 lakh, several motorcycles, and a car parked in the narrow lane. Locals expressed frustration over the lack of action against the building owners, who were reportedly embroiled in disputes and ignored calls for repairs. Hardeep Singh, a resident, told PTI, “The owners were warned repeatedly to fix the structure, but nothing was done. Had this happened during the day, we could have lost 50 to 60 lives.”
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Other residents echoed similar sentiments. Sonu Pandit noted the building’s poor condition since 2020, with no maintenance undertaken despite pleas to the owners. Vishal, whose adjacent building was damaged, criticized the lack of proper structural support, stating, “It didn’t even have proper pillars. The authorities took no action against the owners, and now our homes are damaged.” Another local, Prabhjot, recounted how his grandmother sustained minor injuries and how he had raised an alarm after feeling the structure shake, having warned authorities two months prior.
Residents reported filing complaints, only to face threats and inaction. Anju, another local, said, “Our parents were trapped, and our building’s entrance is now blocked. The collapsed structure had no maintenance since it was built.” The incident disrupted electricity and daily routines, with locals emphasizing the fortune of the collapse occurring at night, averting potential casualties.
The event has sparked outrage over systemic negligence, with calls for accountability and justice growing louder. As investigations continue, the collapse underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations in Delhi’s densely populated areas.
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