Amit Shah cuts short Goa event after Delhi building collapse, says rescue operations underway

Union Home Minister Amit Shah cut short a BJP programme in Goa on Sunday after learning about the building collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan area, where several people were trapped and one person was reported dead.

Shah was in Goa to inaugurate the BJP's new state headquarters at Chimbel village near Panaji when the news of the collapse emerged. The formal function was subsequently curtailed, with Shah leaving the venue midway.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the decision to end the programme while the event was underway.

"Since there is a tragedy in New Delhi, we have decided not to go ahead with the function," Sawant said. He added that Shah had extended his best wishes to BJP workers on the inauguration of the new office building.

Videos from the event showed Shah leaving the programme after the announcement.

Amit Shah speaks to Delhi officials

Following the collapse, Shah said he had spoken with the Delhi Chief Minister, Commissioner of Police and Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assess the situation.

In a post on X, Shah said he was "deeply distressed" by the collapse and said the local administration and the NDRF were carrying out rescue operations in coordination.

He also said the injured were being provided necessary medical assistance and prayed for their speedy recovery.

AIIMS reports one brought dead

AIIMS said four patients from the building collapse were received at the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Center.

Of the four, two patients were in critical condition, while one was a rescuer who was later discharged. One patient was brought dead, according to AIIMS.

The collapse took place at a five-storey building housing a boys' PG in south Delhi's Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon. Officials said several people remained trapped under the debris as rescue operations continued.