NEW DELHI, INDIA — At least eleven individuals, including three children, tragically lost their lives in New Delhi on Saturday following the collapse of a residential building situated on the outskirts of the Indian capital, according to local reports and official sources.
The incident occurred in the early hours in the northeastern district of the city, an area predominantly inhabited by migrant workers. Rescue teams were engaged in extensive efforts throughout the day, meticulously sifting through the debris.
The NDTV channel reported that eleven people were confirmed dead, while an additional eleven individuals were successfully rescued and transported to medical facilities. As per the network, five of the rescued were still receiving treatment.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, stating he was “saddened by the loss of lives.” Â
“Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” Modi’s office posted on X. “May the injured recover soon.”
President Droupadi Murmu, residing in her official residence a mere 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the disaster site, conveyed her deep sadness, stating that “the deaths of many people including women and children is very sad”.
Prime Minister Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party recently achieved victory in the Delhi state election for the first time in nearly three decades.
The precise cause of the building’s collapse remains under investigation. Delhi minister Kapil Mishra attributed such structural failures to corruption within the municipal government, which is administered by a rival political party. In a post on X, Mishra asserted, “Construction of such illegal buildings is going on in full swing.” He further added, “Survey of all these illegal buildings is necessary, strict action is required against them.”
Local media outlets reported that the four-storey building “came crashing down like a stack of cards”.
Building collapses are a recurring issue in India, and unauthorized constructions, often housing migrant workers, are prevalent in major urban centers.
