'We thought our own house was collapsing': Eyewitnesses recount horror after Old Delhi building collapse

A deafening crash jolted residents of Old Delhi's Chawri Bazaar on Thursday morning when a three-storey under-construction building suddenly came crashing down. Neighbours rushed out of their homes, initially fearing that their own buildings had collapsed, only to find the structure next door reduced to rubble.

The incident took place in Gali Sattara, Sheesh Mahal, near Chawri Bazaar Metro Station. Recalling the moment, local resident Mohd Nayeem said he and others were asleep when they heard a loud crashing sound at around 9 am or 9.30 am.

"We all got up and rushed outside. We thought our own house was collapsing. When we checked, we realised it was the house being built next door. Three or four lintels had already been cast, and they all collapsed at once," he said.

Nayeem added that an injured worker had told them that around three or four people were present at the site. Residents also saw a body being brought out of the debris. He said construction had been going on for the past three to four months.

Another local resident, Mohd Altaf, said he heard a loud noise when the newly constructed two-to-three-storey building collapsed. His house is located just outside the lane. He said nearby buildings had not suffered any damage.

The collapse triggered a major rescue operation, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) personnel reaching the site.

According to eyewitnesses, two people had initially been pulled out, both male workers. One was seriously injured and had suffered heavy bleeding. An eyewitness also said five to six workers were believed to be trapped.

However, DCP Central Rohit Rajbir Singh later said three people had been rescued. Of them, two were declared dead at the hospital, while the third sustained injuries but was out of danger.

The DCP said around 10 to 15 labourers were present when the incident occurred, though the possibility of more workers being at the site had not been ruled out.

The police said the building was being constructed up to the third floor, with work underway on the floor above. The structure collapsed while workers were pouring the slab, according to the DCP.

He also said the construction was unauthorised and that the police had already sent a letter to the municipal authorities regarding the work. Despite follow-ups, construction had not been stopped, he said.

Police have identified the builders and are trying to trace them. The surrounding buildings were evacuated as a precaution, with the DCP warning that the structure adjacent to the collapsed building was also in a precarious condition.

The rescue operation was continuing as teams searched through the debris for anyone who might still be trapped.