A series of structural disasters amid heavy monsoon rains claimed one life and triggered major rescue operations in Delhi and Maharashtra on Wednesday, with authorities working through the night to locate those still trapped under the debris.
In Delhi, a four-storey building under construction collapsed in Rohini Sector 16 at around 4.20 pm, killing one person and leaving several others trapped. The incident occurred near an MCD school as heavy rain lashed parts of the national capital, although officials have not confirmed whether the rainfall contributed to the collapse.
The deceased was identified as Ram Kishore (42), who was pulled from the rubble and rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Among those rescued were Ravi (35), a POP worker, and Saddham (32), who suffered fractures to his pelvis and arm and is undergoing treatment at Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital. Police said two more people were also rescued, while four to five others, including property owner Ram Dua, are feared to be trapped beneath the debris.
According to police, a PCR call reporting the collapse was received around 4.30 pm, following which multiple emergency agencies rushed to the site. The property is jointly owned by Manju, wife of Ram Dua, and Ritika, wife of Vinod.
Rescue efforts involved teams from the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services (DFS), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Revenue Department, Tata Power and ambulance services. Authorities cordoned off the area, evacuated nearby buildings and ensured smooth movement of rescue vehicles while maintaining law and order throughout the operation.
In a post on X, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said police and district administration officials were immediately deployed after receiving information about the collapse. She said rescue and evacuation operations were underway and assured that the situation was being closely monitored, with officials directed to provide all necessary assistance.
Preliminary investigations indicate that plumbing work was allegedly being carried out inside the building before it collapsed. Officials suspect that drilling or cutting of structural elements, including columns and beams, may have weakened the structure.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi said both structures at the site had collapsed completely, causing extensive damage. Initial observations suggest the collapse may have been caused by structural failure or differential settlement of the foundation, though officials stressed that the exact cause will be determined only after a detailed technical examination.
Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The probe will examine whether the construction adhered to sanctioned building plans, the quality of construction, possible structural modifications and the role of all those associated with the project. Statements from labourers, residents, engineers and other witnesses will also be recorded.
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In a separate incident in Moshi, Pune district, a massive mound of garbage collapsed onto a three-storey building, causing the structure to cave in. The building served as the administrative office of a private company handling waste management on behalf of the civic body.
Officials initially believed 23 people were trapped inside the building. Rescue teams have since managed to bring several people to safety, but 11 people remain trapped, with search and rescue operations continuing.
The twin incidents occurred as heavy monsoon rains battered several parts of the country on Wednesday, triggering flash floods and causing widespread disruption to road and rail traffic. Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions while rescue teams remain on high alert in the affected regions
