New Delhi: five-storey building collapsed killing 4 people

On Wednesday, September 18, around 9:00 a.m. local time a 60-year-old five-storey building collapsed in Bapa Nagar, near Karol Bagh in central Delhi resulting in four fatalities while 14 others were injured. At the site promptly arrived the police, fire department and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and started the rescue operation. Authorities stated that they faced many difficulties at the operation process due to restricted and crowded streets, hence, they could not use heavy machinery, and they were forced to remove the debris by hand.

Eyewitnesses reported that the five-storey building was old and had structural issues. They noted that a section of the structure collapsed onto a nearby building, causing its wall to give way as well. They believe the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) shares some responsibility, as they had inspected the building prior to the extreme weather and monsoon season but did not declare it unsafe.

As of present, authorities said that the reason of the collapse is not known yet. However, an investigation is ongoing. Also, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) stated that they have filed a case under sections 106 (causing death by negligence) and 290 (negligent conduct regarding building safety) and will take legal action against whoever is found responsible for the incident. Moreover, they evacuated all the nearby buildings to ensure public safety.

In all, Atishi Delhi’s Chief Minister shared his condolences to the victims’ families, and he ruled ₹10 lakh as compensation while he suggested the public to report any structural issue they will notice.