In a tragic incident in South Delhi's Saket area, a four-storey building collapsed on Tuesday evening, leading to the death of 10 people and injuring several others. The building, located in the congested Lado Sarai area, was reportedly under construction and had been issued a stop-work notice by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) earlier this month.
MCD Engineers Suspended
The MCD has suspended two engineers, a junior engineer and an assistant engineer, for negligence in monitoring the construction. The suspension came after a preliminary inquiry revealed that the engineers had failed to act on complaints about the building's structural safety.
FIR Registered
Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the building owner and the contractor under sections related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence. The owner is absconding, and a manhunt is underway.
Death Toll Rises to 10
Rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities continued through the night, with 10 bodies recovered so far. At least 15 people were rescued, and some are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. The death toll may rise as debris clearance continues.
Sequence of Events
The collapse occurred around 8:30 PM on Tuesday. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud rumble before the building came down, trapping several workers and residents inside. The building housed a garment factory on the ground floor and residential units above.
Government Response
Delhi Chief Minister expressed grief and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased. He also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. The MCD has been directed to conduct a structural audit of all under-construction buildings in the area.
Rescue Operations
The NDRF deployed two teams with sniffer dogs and heavy machinery to clear the rubble. The operation was hampered by narrow lanes and the precarious condition of adjacent buildings. By Wednesday morning, the focus shifted from rescue to recovery.
Legal Action
The FIR includes charges under IPC sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life), and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life). The police have formed multiple teams to arrest the accused.
This incident highlights the recurring issue of illegal construction and lax enforcement of building bylaws in Delhi. The MCD had issued a stop-work notice on May 15, but construction allegedly continued unabated. The suspended engineers are accused of ignoring the violation.
