Delhi: Un mort, plusieurs craints piégés après l'effondrement d'un bâtiment à Rohini

The tragic collapse of an under-construction building in Delhi’s Rohini sector on July 8, 2026, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left several others feared trapped beneath the rubble. The incident occurred in Sector 16, near an MCD school, and unfolded amidst heavy rainfall, which reportedly exacerbated conditions leading to the disaster. The building, described as a four-storey structure, collapsed in the late afternoon, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting immediate action from multiple emergency services.

The rescue operation began shortly after the collapse, with teams from the Delhi Fire Services, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) mobilizing to extract survivors and locate those still trapped. Over the course of the night, efforts intensified as rescuers used heavy machinery to clear debris and search for signs of life. By the following day, two additional bodies were recovered from the rubble, bringing the total death toll to three. Among the victims were Ram Dua, a 62-year-old man identified as the father of the building’s owner, Kafe alias Nurul, a 24-year-old laborer, and Ram, a 42-year-old tailor. A fourth individual, Saddam alias Ravi, a 32-year-old laborer, was rescued alive but suffered injuries requiring medical attention.

The initial reports indicated that up to five individuals were injured, though this number later decreased as some were confirmed safe or successfully extracted. The MCD stated that the building had received approval under the SARAL Scheme, which streamlines the process for obtaining building permits by allowing property owners to submit self-verified undertakings through certified professionals. However, the civic body noted that the collapse might have been influenced by ongoing construction activities, particularly plumbing work, which could have led to the drilling or cutting of critical structural components such as beams and columns. These factors, combined with the heavy rain, likely contributed to the instability of the structure.

The involvement of multiple agencies highlighted the scale of the response. The Delhi Police, along with the fire department, NDRF, and the MCD, coordinated efforts to stabilize the site and ensure the safety of surrounding areas. Authorities also evacuated nearby buildings as a precautionary measure, emphasizing the potential risks posed by the collapsing structure. In addition to the immediate rescue operations, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) to investigate the incident further, although the exact cause of the collapse remains under scrutiny.

Local residents described the moment of impact as akin to an earthquake, with the entire structure falling within seconds. Vehicles parked nearby, including those belonging to police personnel, were buried under the rubble, underscoring the severity of the situation. Despite the challenges, rescuers managed to reach one trapped individual, providing essential supplies before safely extracting him. Ongoing efforts continue to locate any remaining individuals, with the hope that no further casualties will emerge.

As the dust settles and the investigation unfolds, questions remain regarding the adherence to construction regulations and the role of environmental factors such as heavy rainfall. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with rapid urban development and the importance of stringent oversight in ensuring public safety. With the MCD conducting a detailed technical examination and the government pledging support, the focus now shifts toward understanding the full extent of the tragedy and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.