Delhi Building Collapse in Seemapuri: Death Toll Rises to 4
Another body recovered from the collapsed four-storey building in Seemapuri, Delhi. Death toll reaches 4 as rescue operations continue.
The tragedy in Delhi's New Seemapuri area deepened on Thursday as rescue teams recovered another body from the rubble of a collapsed four-storey residential building. This latest discovery brings the official death toll to four, following the devastating collapse near Idgah Machhli Mandi.
Tragic Loss of Life and Injuries
The collapse has claimed the lives of several individuals, including vulnerable members of the community. Among the deceased identified so far are:
- Gulafsa, 21: A young woman who was approximately four months pregnant.
- A 12-year-old girl: Whose identity is currently being established.
- A third child: Details regarding this victim are still being sought.
- An unidentified fourth victim: Recovered during the most recent phase of the search.
In addition to the fatalities, eight people were pulled from the debris and rushed to the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital in Tahirpur for urgent medical treatment. The injured have been identified as Momin Mirja (56), a three-year-old boy, Abdul Rehman (28), Devruddin (28), Salma (50), Chote (34), Sakina (35), and Samad (30).
Demolition Vibrations Suspected as Cause
Eyewitnesses and local authorities are pointing toward a potential cause for the sudden structural failure. North East DM Ajay Kumar noted that the building, which occupied a small area of approximately 22 to 25 square yards, sat at a corner location.
According to reports from those at the scene, an adjacent building was undergoing demolition work at the time. It is believed that the heavy machinery used in that process created vibrations strong enough to destabilize the Seemapuri structure, leading to its total collapse around 3:15 PM.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
A multi-agency response is currently active at the site to navigate the treacherous debris. The rescue operation involves a massive deployment of personnel and heavy machinery, including:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Delhi Fire Service
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)
- Delhi Police and CATS medical teams
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shahdara Rajendra Prasad Meena confirmed that while seven people had been successfully rescued and were out of danger, the search remains intense. Authorities fear that two to three more individuals could still be trapped beneath the concrete slabs.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued directives to all involved agencies to maintain strict coordination and expedite the rescue efforts to ensure that any survivors are reached immediately and the deceased are recovered with dignity.