A dilapidated four-story building in Delhi's Sabzi Mandi area collapsed early Tuesday morning. Parts of two adjacent buildings were damaged, but no one sustained serious injuries, and all trapped individuals were safely rescued.
New Delhi: A four-story dilapidated building in the Sabzi Mandi area suddenly collapsed early Tuesday morning. Fortunately, the building was already vacant, resulting in no casualties. However, parts of two nearby buildings were damaged, and police and rescue teams launched a joint operation to safely evacuate the residents of those buildings.
Four-Story Building Collapses in Punjabi Basti
According to DCP Raja Banthia, the incident occurred around 3 AM on Tuesday. The Sabzi Mandi police station received a PCR call reporting that a four-story building near Punjabi Basti had collapsed and several people were trapped under the debris. SHO of Sabzi Mandi Police Station, Banwari Lal, and other police personnel immediately reached the scene upon receiving the call.
Two fire tenders from the local fire department, an NDRF team, six PCR vans, four ambulances, and staff from the SDM office also arrived at the location. A rescue operation was immediately initiated. Police stated that the building was located near Bhoot Singh Gurudwara and the MCD had been previously informed about its dilapidated condition.
22 People Rescued from Debris During Rescue Operation
During the rescue operation, individuals trapped in the debris were safely extricated. A total of 22 people were brought out with great caution. Those with minor injuries were taken to the hospital, where they were discharged after receiving primary treatment. Officials described it as a remarkable team effort that prevented any loss of life.
Local police and the NDRF team also evacuated the surrounding area during the rescue to prevent any further accidents. Several vehicles parked in the lane, including some bikes and a car, were damaged, but no person sustained serious injuries.
Damage to Adjacent Buildings and Vehicles
The collapse of the building damaged parts of two adjacent buildings. This temporarily trapped some residents, who were then safely evacuated. Vehicles parked in the narrow lanes also suffered damage from the debris and dust. Police ensured safety by immediately vacating the affected areas.
Local residents reported that the building had been in a dilapidated state for a long time, and they lived in constant fear. The MCD had been notified multiple times about the building's condition, but necessary actions to prevent the accident were not taken.
Questions Raised Over Safety of Dilapidated Buildings
This incident has raised questions about the safety of dilapidated buildings in the city. Police officials emphasized the need for regular inspection and timely repair of old and dilapidated buildings. This accident serves as a warning that inaction could lead to a major disaster.
The local administration established temporary relief camps in the affected areas and delivered relief materials to assist the people. Furthermore, the MCD has been instructed to prepare a list of dilapidated buildings and take immediate action.
