5-storey building collapses in south Delhi’s Mehrauli; several feared trapped

NEW DELHI: Several people are feared trapped under the debris after a five-storey building collapsed near Saket Metro station in south Delhi on Saturday evening.The building, located on Western Marg in Saidulajab, collapsed entirely, leaving behind a massive mound of rubble, said officials according to news agency PTI. Police sources said a coaching institute operated on the ground floor of the structure, while construction work was underway on the upper floors. Authorities suspect that some of those trapped may be students. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) received information about the collapse at 7.44 pm. Following the alert, seven fire tenders were rushed to the spot and rescue operations were launched. Visuals from the area showed heaps of concrete, twisted metal rods and broken pillars scattered across the site, with the multi-storey structure reduced to debris. Residents and local shopkeepers rushed to the scene carrying flashlights and mobile phones, attempting to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether anyone was trapped beneath the rubble. Fire department personnel, police teams and local residents joined the search and rescue efforts. The narrow lanes of the densely populated neighbourhood witnessed chaotic scenes as people tried to clear the way for emergency vehicles and rescue workers. Many residents used the flashlights on their mobile phones to assist in the operation. No major damage to neighbouring buildings was immediately reported. Officials have not yet confirmed the number of people trapped in the collapse.A local resident said, "At around 6 pm, a building collapsed. The building housed offices. Since it was a weekend, most offices were closed, resulting in fewer people present than usual... The entire building collapsed, and the impact was felt by some of the smaller neighbouring buildings as well." Delhi CM Rekha Gupta stated, "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."