Rohini building collapse kills one, several feared trapped under debris
A four-storeyed under-construction building collapsed in north-west Delhi's Rohini Sector 16 on Wednesday evening, resulting in one fatality and leaving at least five others feared trapped under the rubble, officials said.
The deceased has been identified as Ram Kishore, 42, who was passing by on a motorcycle when the structure came down. He was grievously injured and declared brought dead at a nearby hospital.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini) Shashank Jaiswal said the police received a PCR call at 4:28 p.m. and immediately launched a rescue operation. The area was secured and nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution. Personnel from Delhi Fire Services and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the efforts.
A construction worker, Ravi, 35, was rescued safely after rescue personnel established contact with him and provided water and oxygen. Police officials said that building owner Manju Dua's husband, Ram Dua, is also suspected to be trapped under the debris. At least four to five workers are believed to be still inside the collapsed structure.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a loud crash followed by a cloud of dust. “I was going to meet a friend when I heard a loud crash and then a cloud of dust. Everyone started running in all directions,” said Ramesh Kumar, a local shop owner who joined initial rescue efforts. A 10-year-old who was passing by with his mother and sister said, “At first, we heard a rumbling sound and saw three labourers running out, shouting, ‘run, run, the building is falling’. After that it was all dust and nothing was visible.”
The rescue operation is expected to continue through the night, the DCP added. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse.
