Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 19: In a tragic incident early Saturday morning, a four-storey residential building crumbled to the ground in East Delhi’s Mustafabad, claiming the lives of at least 10 people, including the owner, and leaving several others feared trapped beneath the debris.
The collapse occurred around 3 a.m. after a night of intense rainfall and thunderstorms that swept across Delhi. Among the deceased was 60-year-old Tehsin, the owner of the building, while 11 others have been rescued from the rubble so far.
Additional DCP of North East District, Sandeep Lamba, confirmed that 14 people had been pulled out of the debris, but tragically, four of them succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. “Rescue efforts are still ongoing, with an estimated eight to ten people possibly trapped under the wreckage,” he said.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and ordered a high-level probe into the collapse. In a statement posted on social media platform X, she said, “My heart is heavy with grief over the Mustafabad tragedy. An inquiry has been initiated, and those responsible will face strict consequences. The injured are receiving proper medical care, and all necessary agencies are engaged in relief operations.”
The rescue operation, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, and local volunteers, has entered a crucial phase. NDRF official Mohan Shaheedi stated that technical search efforts are underway. “We are using search-and-rescue dogs to locate signs of life. The operation is delicate and extremely challenging, but we are leaving no stone unturned,” he said.
He also reported that according to local inputs, the missing include nine adults and three children. Two NDRF teams are currently working at the site with full coordination from city authorities.
The area has been cordoned off for safety as the search continues. Once the rescue concludes, an investigation will be launched into the structural failure that led to the collapse. Early suspicions suggest the recent heavy rainfall may have compromised the already unstable building.
Meanwhile, political leaders have begun to weigh in. Deputy Speaker and local MLA Mohan Singh Bisht visited the site and demanded action against negligent officials. “Mustafabad is dotted with illegal constructions. This incident has exposed deep-rooted corruption in the MCD and allied departments,” he stated.
Leader of Opposition Atishi also voiced her sorrow, urging AAP volunteers to support affected families. The Delhi Mayor, echoing the outrage, confirmed that a formal investigation is underway and assured that “those responsible—whether officials or private parties—will be suspended.”
Rescue teams continue to work against the clock to find survivors, as Mustafabad grapples with the devastation and loss brought on by the disaster.