Delhi: A wall collapse near an old temple in Hari Nagar, Jaitpur, South East Delhi, has claimed eight lives, Delhi Police confirmed. 

The tragic incident occurred after heavy overnight rain caused the structure to give way, trapping residents of nearby jhuggies (makeshift huts) inhabited by scrap dealers.

Initial reports suggested a building collapse, but authorities later clarified it was a wall adjacent to the temple that had collapsed in the early hours of the morning.

All eight individuals trapped under the debris were rescued and rushed to hospital. Earlier, officials had reported that three to four of them were in critical condition. Unfortunately, eight succumbed to their injuries.

The wall collapse followed intense rainfall that lashed Delhi overnight, weakening the old structure.

Authorities have since evacuated the remaining jhuggies in the vicinity as a safety measure, with more rain forecast in the coming days.