Delhi Building Collapse: 4 Dead, Rescuers Look For Survivors Under Debris

At least four people were killed and 13 others rescued after a four-storey building collapsed in Delhi's Mustafabad in the early hours of Saturday, with several people still feared trapped under the debris, an official said. The owner of the building is also reportedly among those trapped.

The incident took place around 3 am, following which rescue operations involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services and Delhi Police were launched, senior police officer Sandeep Lamba said.

#WATCH | Latest visuals from the Mustafabad area of Delhi, where several people are feared trapped after a building collapsed today, early morning. Rescue operations underway. pic.twitter.com/X2sOUP9QLR

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2025

"14 people have been rescued, and four have died. About 8-10 people are still feared trapped," Mr Lamba told the news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi: Sandeep Lamba, Additional DCP, North East District, says, " The incident took place at 3 am in the morning. 14 people were rescued, but four among them succumbed...it was a four-storey building...rescue operation is underway. 8-10 people are still feared trapped" https://t.co/lXyDvOqwSYpic.twitter.com/F1BTiUZYcp

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2025

Asked about the reason behind the collapse, Mr Lamba said they will investigate it.

The injured have been taken to the GTB hospital.

"Pancake Collapse, Chances Of Survival Minimal"

An official described it as a “pancake collapse”, in which, he said, the chances of survival are "minimal".

"Still, we hope there are lives that can be saved and are actively searching. Debris is being cleared slowly and thoroughly checked," NDRF's Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mohsen Shahidi told the news agency PTI.

He also said that working in such congested areas is "extremely challenging".

"The use of heavy machinery to clear debris is limited due to space constraints," Mr Shahidi said.

CCTV Captures Moment When Delhi Building Collapsed

A CCTV in an adjacent alley has captured the moment the building in Mustafabad collapsed.

The footage showed a sudden spark and a thick cloud of dust filling the alley, preventing any further recording.

#WATCH | Delhi: Mustafabad building collapse caught on camera.

As per Delhi Police, "Among the 10 people who were taken out, 4 succumbed. Rescue operations still underway"

(Source - local resident) https://t.co/lXyDvOpZ3qpic.twitter.com/NlknYWODRR

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2025

Rajendra Atwal, the Divisional Fire Officer, said they received a call about the incident at around 2:50 am.

"We reached the spot and found out that the entire building had collapsed, and people were trapped under the debris. The NDRF and the Delhi Fire Services are working to rescue the people," he said.

Rekha Gupta, Arvind Kejriwal On Delhi Building Collapse

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a probe into the building collapse and said strict action will be taken against the culprits.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic building collapse in Mustafabad. Orders have been given to investigate the incident and strict action will be taken against the culprits," she said on X.

"My deepest condolences to those who died in the unfortunate accident. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss," the chief minister said.

AAP chief and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

"I appeal to all the party workers to fully cooperate with the administration in relief and rescue operations," he said in a post on X.

Leader of Opposition Atishi also expressed grief over the incident and urged AAP workers in Mustafabad to support the authorities in the ongoing operations.

Delhi Mayor Mahesh Kumar Khinchi said that officials have been instructed to launch an investigation and suspend those found to be negligent.

The house collapse incident was reported hours after parts of Delhi witnessed heavy rain, accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms.

Last week, a wall of an under-construction building collapsed during a severe dust storm near Madhu Vihar, leaving one person dead and two others injured.

In a separate incident on Saturday, five members of a family died after a house collapsed during a storm in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut.