Four Dead, Several Feared Trapped as Building Collapses in Delhi’s Mustafabad; CCTV Captures Horrifying Moment

A multi-storey building in the densely populated Mustafabad area of northeast Delhi collapsed in the early hours of Saturday, killing at least four people and leaving several others feared trapped under the debris. The horrific moment of the collapse was captured on CCTV, showing the structure suddenlyGive way and a cloud of dust engulfing the narrow alleyway.  

The incident occurred around 3:00 AM in the Shakti Vihar area of Mustafabad, catching the residents unaware as they slept. Initial reports indicate that the four-storey building housed multiple families, many of whom were tenants.  

CCTV Footage Reveals Sudden Collapse:

Disturbing CCTV footage from a nearby lane has emerged, providing a chilling glimpse of the tragedy. The video shows the building collapsing almost vertically in a matter of seconds, like a house of cards. A sudden spark is visible just before the structure gives way, followed by a massive cloud of dust and debris filling the air, obscuring the scene. The noise of the collapse would have undoubtedly been deafening, jolting the neighborhood awake to the devastating reality.  

Rescue Operations Underway Amidst Challenges:

Upon receiving news of the collapse, rescue teams comprising personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Delhi Fire Service, and the local police swiftly reached the site. However, the rescue operations are facing significant challenges due to the narrow and congested lanes of Mustafabad, making it difficult for heavy machinery to access the area.  

Despite these obstacles, rescue workers are diligently clearing the rubble in a desperate attempt to locate and save those trapped beneath. So far, 14 people have been rescued from the debris and rushed to the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital for treatment. Tragically, doctors at the hospital declared four of them dead upon arrival.  

“Pancake Collapse” Reduces Survival Chances:

An NDRF official described the collapse as a “pancake collapse,” where the structure collapses vertically, floor upon floor. This type of collapse significantly reduces the chances of survival for those trapped inside as it leaves very little void space. However, the rescue teams are meticulously searching every inch of the debris, clinging to the hope of finding more survivors.

Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture:

Eyewitnesses from the neighborhood recounted the terrifying moments following the collapse. One resident, Shehzad Ahmed, who lost his two nephews in the tragedy, said that his sister, brother-in-law, and niece were also injured and admitted to the hospital. Another local resident expressed his concern for his neighbors, a family of eight, whom he had not seen since the building came down.  

Authorities Launch Investigation, Political Leaders Express Condolences:

The cause of the building collapse is yet to be officially ascertained. While the city had experienced heavy rainfall and thunderstorms the previous night, officials stated that an investigation is underway to determine if structural flaws, the weather, or any other factors contributed to the disaster.  

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of lives and ordered a probe into the incident. She assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. “Deeply saddened by the tragic building collapse in Mustafabad. Orders have been given to investigate the incident and strict action will be taken against the culprits,” she stated.  

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also conveyed his condolences and assured that the government would take action against those responsible. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly and local MLA, Mohan Singh Bisht, claimed that he had warned authorities about the dangerous condition of the building three months prior and alleged negligence on the part of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). He also announced that appropriate compensation would be provided to the families of the deceased.

Ongoing Rescue Efforts and Concerns for Other Buildings:

As of the latest reports, rescue operations are still ongoing, with NDRF teams and other agencies working tirelessly to locate the remaining individuals feared trapped. Authorities estimate that around 8-10 people are still under the rubble.  

The incident has also raised concerns about the structural safety of other buildings in the densely populated Mustafabad area, where many structures are believed to have been constructed without proper adherence to building codes. Local MLA Mohan Singh Bisht highlighted this issue, stating that many accident-prone buildings exist in the area and accused the MCD of corruption and negligence.  

The tragic collapse in Mustafabad serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent building regulations and their proper enforcement to prevent such devastating incidents in the future. The focus remains on the ongoing rescue efforts and providing support to the affected families during this difficult time.