A multi-storey commercial building housing a coaching institute, cafes, and offices tragically collapsed in South Delhi's Saidulajab area on Saturday evening, claiming six lives and leaving eight people injured. The incident, which occurred on Westend Marg near the Saket Metro Station, prompted extensive search and rescue operations that continued for over 24 hours.
Delayed Start Mitigated Casualties
In a fortunate turn of events amidst the disaster, a delayed class at a coaching institute inside the collapsed structure is believed to have significantly reduced the number of students present at the time. According to eyewitness accounts, a class scheduled for Saturday began late due to the teacher's absence, meaning fewer students were inside when the building gave way.
Students preparing for competitive examinations, including the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, made up a large portion of the building's occupants. Many of the victims were young individuals with aspirations for their future.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Efforts
Residents and students described scenes of chaos and panic as the structure crumbled around 7:40 pm. One student recounted feeling initial vibrations, mistaking them for an earthquake, before a stronger shock shattered glass and engulfed the area in dust. Another eyewitness spoke of a loud roar that tore through the evening, turning the vicinity into a dense dust cloud as people ran for their lives.
Police reported that the five to seven-storey building collapsed while construction work was reportedly underway on its upper floor. A significant portion of the debris fell onto an adjacent tin-shed canteen, a popular spot for students. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate survivors, with many family members and friends waiting anxiously at the site.
Victims Identified
Authorities identified the deceased as Ravi (24), Kapil (28), Nalin Ray (23), Alok, Parvati (35), and Ekta (24). The injured included Kshitij Pratap (25), Neelam Yadav (25), Anuj Dixit (22), Tarun (25), Saika Khan (27), Aastha (26), Aditya Sharma (24), and Vishal (25). Several of the injured were treated at AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital, with some later discharged.
Investigation into Collapse Cause
The precise cause of the collapse remains under investigation, though initial reports point to ongoing construction work on the upper floors as a potential factor. The incident highlights concerns regarding building safety and regulatory oversight in areas undergoing rapid development.