House Collapse in Rohini Sector 16
A three-storey under-construction house in Delhi's Rohini collapsed on Wednesday evening, trapping several people under the debris. The incident occurred at 4:20 pm near an MCD school in Rohini Sector 16, coinciding with heavy rain across parts of Delhi. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the weather contributed to the collapse.
Rescue Operation Underway
Two people were pulled out of the rubble as police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other emergency teams rushed to the site. Local residents also joined the search and rescue efforts. The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) dispatched four rescue teams to assist with the operation. Rescue personnel are working to extract individuals trapped under the debris.
Local Efforts Before Specialized Teams Arrived
Immediately after the collapse, panicked residents rushed to the site after hearing a loud crash and cries for help from beneath the rubble. Before specialized rescue teams arrived, locals began removing broken bricks, concrete slabs, and twisted iron rods with their bare hands in a desperate attempt to reach those trapped. Some residents formed human chains to shift debris, while others brought shovels and tools from nearby houses and construction sites.
Emergency Response and Cordon
The DFS rushed multiple rescue vehicles to the spot, while police, the NDRF, and other emergency agencies joined the operation. The area around the collapsed structure was cordoned off to facilitate rescue work. Several videos of the rescue operation surfaced on social media, capturing the tense atmosphere at the site. One video released by the DFS showed rescuers using hydraulic cutters and specialized equipment to carefully remove heavy concrete slabs without causing further harm to those trapped underneath.
Firefighter's Reassurance Caught on Video
In the video, a firefighter could be seen lying flat on the rubble, peering through a narrow opening in an attempt to locate a trapped person. A hand could be seen emerging from beneath the debris, apparently signaling for help. To reassure the trapped individual, the firefighter was heard saying, "Aap chinta mat kariye, aapko bacha lenge sir" (Do not worry, we will rescue you), while repeatedly asking colleagues to bring a torch to better assess the victim's condition through the small gap. Rescuers are working cautiously, removing debris piece by piece to avoid triggering further collapses.
