A tragic incident unfolded in North Delhi’s Azad Market area in the early hours of Friday, as a three-storey building came crashing down, killing one person and leaving behind a trail of destruction. According to initial reports, the building collapsed around 2 AM, trapping several people and damaging nearby structures, including a parked truck.
Delhi three-storey building collapse leaves one dead, rescue teams continue operations
The collapsed building was located near an ongoing metro construction site, raising concerns about possible structural impacts from nearby development. On the ground floor of the ill-fated structure were multiple commercial shops, including suitcase and tarpaulin stores, which are common in the bustling Azad Market locality known for its dense commercial activity.
Immediately after the incident was reported, Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services, emergency medical teams, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the scene. The rescue operation began promptly, as personnel worked tirelessly through the debris to find survivors and retrieve those trapped under the rubble.
One 46-year-old man, identified as Manoj Sharma, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was pulled out from under the collapsed building in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, doctors at the hospital later declared him dead.
North Delhi building collapse: Azad Market tragedy raises safety concerns
An official from the Delhi Fire Service confirmed that the building housed several small businesses, and investigations are now underway to determine whether structural weaknesses or external factors contributed to the collapse. The proximity of metro construction has also led to speculation that vibrations or groundwork may have compromised the building’s foundation.
Visuals from the scene showed heavy damage to surrounding areas, with debris covering a significant portion of the road and causing temporary traffic disruptions. A truck parked near the shops was severely damaged by falling concrete and building material.
Locals reported hearing a loud crashing noise in the early morning hours, prompting panic among nearby residents and shopkeepers. Eyewitnesses said the collapse happened suddenly and without warning, giving little time for people nearby to escape.
Rescue and relief work continues at Delhi building collapse site
Rescue teams are currently using heavy machinery, cutters, and thermal sensors to ensure that no more victims are trapped beneath the rubble. The entire area has been cordoned off, and authorities have urged people to stay away to avoid further risk.
Delhi Police has registered a case and initiated an investigation to examine whether the building was structurally sound and if the ongoing metro work played any role in the collapse. Officials are also assessing the risk to nearby buildings, fearing additional collapses if structural inspections are not urgently conducted.
This tragic incident once again highlights the urgent need for regular safety audits of old and commercial buildings in Delhi, particularly in densely populated zones like Azad Market.
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