Delhi Building Collapse: 4 Dead, Rescue Ops Ongoing in Mustafabad Tragedy

New Delhi: In the early hours of Saturday, a four-storey residential building in northeast Delhi’s Mustafabad came crashing down, killing at least four people and trapping several others under the debris. As of the latest update, 14 people have been rescued, but officials fear 8–10 more may still be buried beneath the rubble.

Rescue Operations Underway

The collapse, which occurred around 3 am, triggered an immediate response from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, and Delhi Police. Sandeep Lamba, Additional DCP (North East District), confirmed to ANI that while several had been pulled out alive, four among them succumbed to their injuries.

The injured are being treated at GTB Hospital. Rescue operations are continuing in a congested area where narrow lanes are hampering the use of heavy machinery.

“It’s a pancake collapse — where each floor comes down one over the other. The chances of survival in such cases are minimal,” said NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi. “But we’re hopeful and proceeding carefully, checking every piece of debris.”

Caught on Camera

A local resident’s CCTV captured the exact moment of the collapse — a brief spark, followed by a thick cloud of dust engulfing the lane. The footage went viral, starkly illustrating the suddenness and devastation of the incident.

Possible Cause: Heavy Rains and Structural Negligence

Though the exact cause is yet to be confirmed, officials hinted that heavy rains and thunderstorms that lashed parts of Delhi on Friday night may have weakened the structure. Residents allege poor construction quality and illegal modifications, a recurring issue in the area.

Political Response and Probe Announced

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed grief and ordered an investigation, promising “strict action against the culprits.” Former CM Arvind Kejriwal and Leader of Opposition Atishi also extended condolences, urging party workers and citizens to assist rescue operations.

A Pattern of Collapses

This tragedy comes days after a wall of an under-construction building collapsed during a dust storm near Madhu Vihar, killing one and injuring two. In a separate incident on Saturday, five members of a family died after a house collapse in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut, underscoring the risk posed by poor construction practices combined with unpredictable weather.

Mustafabad Residents Speak Out

Locals in Mustafabad are furious. “This isn’t the first building here to collapse,” said Noor Alam, a resident. “Illegal constructions are rampant, and authorities turn a blind eye until lives are lost.”

As rescue teams work tirelessly amid dust, debris, and narrow alleys, families wait in anguish, hoping for a miracle.