Four-Storey Building Collapses in Delhi’s Subzi Mandi, No Injuries Reported

New Delhi: A four-storey building in north Delhi’s Subzi Mandi area collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday, but no injuries were reported, according to an official from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS). The structure, located in a narrow lane of Punjabi Basti, had been deemed unsafe by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) prior to the incident, ensuring it was vacant at the time of the collapse.

The DFS received a call about the collapse at 3:05 a.m., prompting the immediate dispatch of five fire tenders to the scene. The building crumbled with a loud crash, stirring concern in the congested neighborhood. Fire officials confirmed that 14 individuals stranded in an adjacent structure were safely evacuated during the operation.

The MCD’s prior assessment of the building’s condition played a critical role in averting potential tragedy. “Since the building had already been declared dangerous by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, it was unoccupied,” a DFS official stated. The rescue efforts focused on ensuring the safety of those in nearby structures, with no casualties reported.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about aging infrastructure in Delhi’s densely populated areas. The MCD’s preemptive action in identifying and vacating unsafe buildings highlights the importance of regular structural assessments to prevent loss of life. Authorities have cordoned off the area to facilitate debris clearance and ensure public safety.

The collapse, reported by the Press Trust of India, occurred without warning, but the absence of occupants meant no lives were lost. The DFS and local authorities continue to monitor the site to prevent further incidents. This event serves as a reminder of the need for vigilant urban planning and maintenance to safeguard residents in Delhi’s older neighborhoods.