A four-story dilapidated building collapsed in Punjabi Basti, North Delhi. The building was empty at the time of the incident, resulting in no casualties. 14 people trapped in a nearby building were safely rescued by the fire service.
North Delhi: A four-story building in Punjabi Basti, under the jurisdiction of Sabzi Mandi police station in Delhi, collapsed suddenly in the early hours of Tuesday. No loss of life occurred as the building was empty at the time of the incident. According to initial information, the dilapidated condition of the building is considered the main reason for its collapse. The administration had ordered the building owners to vacate the premises two months ago, which they ignored. The MCD had already declared the building dangerous.
After the incident, 14 people trapped in a nearby building were safely evacuated by the fire service. Rescue operations are ongoing to recover vehicles and other property buried under the debris. Fire service, police, and other agencies are jointly engaged in relief and rescue efforts.
Time of Incident and Rescue Operation
At 2:52 AM on Tuesday, the Delhi Fire Service received information about the building collapse. Five fire service vehicles immediately reached the spot and commenced the rescue operation. The fire team safely rescued 14 people trapped in a nearby building. Some individuals sustained minor injuries and were immediately admitted to a nearby hospital.
Several vehicles are buried under the debris, and special equipment and cranes are being used to retrieve them. The administration has sealed the surrounding area and tightened security measures to prevent any further damage.
Dilapidated Building Collapses Suddenly
According to preliminary information, the dilapidated condition of the building could be the primary reason for its collapse. Local residents reported that the administration had previously warned the building owners to vacate the premises. Despite this, the owners disregarded the warning.
A local woman alleged that despite several complaints, the administration's team did not take any concrete action. Around 2:52 AM, the building began to shake, prompting nearby residents to move to a safe location. The administration is now investigating the cause of the sudden collapse.
Relief and Safety Operations Continue After Building Collapse
Teams from the Delhi Fire Service, police, and municipal corporation are continuously working at the site. Efforts are being made to recover vehicles and other property buried under the debris. Fire service officials stated that a major tragedy was averted because the building was empty at night.
Local authorities have instructed residents in the surrounding areas to remain vigilant. Along with clearing the debris, efforts are being made to ensure the structural integrity of other nearby buildings.
Explosion at Pizza Hut in Yamuna Vihar
A day prior to this incident in Delhi, an explosion occurred at a Pizza Hut outlet located in the Yamuna Vihar area. Five people were injured in the explosion and were admitted to GTB Hospital. Three fire service vehicles immediately reached the spot and doused the fire.
According to the preliminary investigation, the explosion occurred in the AC compressor. Local police have initiated an investigation into the matter, and inquiries are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Officials have cautioned that regular inspection of technical equipment and adherence to safety standards are extremely important.
