Three people, including two children, have died after a four-storey building collapsed in the Seemapuri area of northeast Delhi on Wednesday. Eight people were rescued from the debris and taken to a hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, rescue teams continued their search for anyone who might still be trapped beneath the rubble. The incident triggered panic in the neighbourhood as residents, police personnel and emergency workers rushed to the spot to help those trapped inside the collapsed structure.

Eight Injured People Rescued and Hospitalised

According to officials, eight injured people were rescued from the debris and shifted to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital in Tahirpur for treatment. The injured were identified as Momin Mirja, 56, Abdaan, 3, Abdul Rehman, 28, Devruddin, 28, Salma, 50, Chote, 34, Sakina, 35, and Samad, 30. However, three people lost their lives in the incident. The deceased include a girl aged around 12, a 21-year-old woman named Gulafsa, who was approximately four months pregnant, and another child whose identity has not yet been confirmed. Authorities were also working to establish the identity of the young girl. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajendra Prasad Meena said that one of the children was decapitated, highlighting the severity of the tragedy.

Fire Department and Rescue Teams Rush to the Spot

The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received information about the building collapse at around 3.30 pm on Wednesday. Following the alert, fire engines were immediately dispatched to the location to assist with rescue operations. Emergency personnel began searching through the debris to locate survivors and remove those trapped beneath the collapsed structure. An official confirmed that the operation was still underway. "Search and rescue operation is ongoing," an official said. Photographs and videos from the scene showed a large crowd gathered around the damaged building. Several residents could be seen removing heavy pieces of rubble and concrete slabs with their bare hands in an attempt to reach people trapped underneath. Others recorded the scene on their mobile phones as rescue efforts continued. Local residents also joined the operation before and during the arrival of emergency personnel. Their efforts helped bring some of the injured people out of the debris and transport them to nearby hospitals.

Local Residents Help Rescue Trapped People

Residents of the area said that local people had managed to rescue several individuals and arrange medical assistance for them. However, they also expressed concern that some people could still be trapped under the remains of the building. One local resident claimed that the police arrived around half an hour after the incident. The resident also described efforts to provide emergency assistance to the injured. "Police came after half an hour. There is a child still trapped and some have been rescued by people and sent to hospitals. I have given CPR myself. Two to three people have been sent to hospital," the local said. The account highlighted the role played by residents in the immediate aftermath of the collapse. However, the official rescue operation remained focused on searching the rubble, locating possible survivors and ensuring that the injured received medical attention.

Traffic Police Urges People to Avoid the Area

As rescue operations continued, the Delhi Traffic Police appealed to commuters to stay away from the affected area to prevent congestion and allow emergency vehicles to reach the site without delay. The collapse affected traffic around Seemapuri Gol Chakkar, DLF Bhopura and nearby roads. Officials warned that unnecessary gatherings and parked vehicles could obstruct ambulances, fire engines and rescue teams. In a post on X, the Delhi Traffic Police said: "A multi-storey building has collapsed in Seemapuri and rescue teams are working at the site. Traffic is affected around Seemapuri Gol Chakkar, DLF Bhopura and adjoining roads. Every clear lane gives an ambulance and rescue vehicle a faster way through. Please avoid the area if possible. Do not stop, park or gather near the site, and follow the directions of traffic personnel," The police stressed that keeping roads clear was essential to ensure the smooth movement of emergency vehicles and prevent further delays in rescue efforts.

Residents Suspect Earthquake Tremors May Have Weakened the Building

Some local residents claimed that cracks had appeared in the building after tremors were felt across the Delhi-NCR region on Tuesday night following an earthquake in Uttarakhand. According to them, the damage may have weakened the structure before it collapsed the following afternoon. However, authorities have not confirmed any connection between the earthquake and the building collapse. Officials said the exact cause would be established only after a detailed investigation. The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the building and the circumstances that led to its collapse. Until then, the earthquake-related claims made by residents remain unverified.

Another Major Building-Related Tragedy in Delhi

The Seemapuri incident occurred about a month after a hostel tragedy in Satya Niketan, Delhi, in which seven people died and several others sustained injuries. The latest collapse has once again raised concerns about building safety and the risks posed by structural failures in densely populated areas. As authorities continue their investigation, the immediate priority remains the search for anyone who may still be trapped, along with medical care for the injured and assistance for the victims' families. The final findings of the investigation will be crucial in determining what caused the four-storey building to collapse and whether any structural or other safety issues contributed to the tragedy.