Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 18: A tragic incident unfolded in Delhi’s Paharganj area on Saturday evening as a section of a building under construction collapsed, leaving three people dead and one injured. The collapse occurred near Krishna Hotel on Ara Kansa Road, when the side wall of a basement under construction gave way.
Emergency teams, including the Delhi Fire Service and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rushed to the site. Four fire tenders were deployed, and rescue operations began immediately, with the NDRF deploying a dog squad to search through the debris.
According to authorities, the victims have been identified as Prabhu (65), a contractor, and two workers, Niranjan (40) and Roshan (35), hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Another individual, Chuttan (35), sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta expressed her condolences over the loss of lives and assured a thorough investigation. “May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss,” she posted on X.
The chief minister’s office confirmed that senior officials, including the Central Delhi District Magistrate, Karol Bagh SDM, MCD representatives, and Delhi Police personnel, visited the site. The post added that all necessary support would be extended to the victims’ families.
“An unfortunate basement wall collapse was reported at an under-construction building in Paharganj. It has claimed three precious lives and left one seriously injured,” the CMO stated on X. “The Central Delhi DM has been directed to provide all assistance to the next of kin.”
Assistant divisional officer Manish Kumar of the Delhi Fire Service said that the Connaught Place fire station responded first to the distress call, enabling a swift launch of rescue efforts.
This incident follows another deadly collapse in Delhi last month. On April 19, a building in the Mustafabad area crumbled, resulting in 11 fatalities. The recurring nature of such tragedies has raised serious questions about construction safety norms and enforcement across the capital.
Chief Minister Gupta has ordered an immediate inquiry into the Paharganj collapse, promising strict action against those found responsible.