New Delhi: A devastating building collapse in Delhi's Mustafabad area early this morning has resulted in at least four fatalities, with many others feared trapped under the debris. As of now, 14 people have been rescued, but authorities report that 8-10 individuals are still unaccounted for.

A Pancake Collapse: The Search for Survivors

The four-storey building came down around 3 a.m., sending shockwaves through the densely populated area. Rescue operations were swiftly launched with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, and Delhi Police working tirelessly to search for survivors. An official described the collapse as a “pancake collapse”, where the building floors collapsed directly onto each other, creating a massive pile of debris. This type of collapse significantly reduces the chances of survival for those trapped underneath. However, despite the grim outlook, rescue teams remain hopeful that there may still be lives to save.

Challenges in Rescue Operations

NDRF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mohsen Shahidi explained that the situation is made more challenging due to the congested nature of the area and the limited space for heavy machinery to operate. Despite these obstacles, the teams are meticulously clearing the debris, hoping to find any signs of life.

CCTV Captures Moment of Collapse

A nearby CCTV camera captured the terrifying moment when the building fell. The footage shows a spark followed by a thick cloud of dust, which obscured further visibility. The images paint a grim picture of the scale of destruction caused by the collapse.

Leaders Respond to Tragedy

Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed her deep sorrow over the incident, ordering an investigation into the cause of the collapse. “Strict action will be taken against the culprits,” she stated in a social media post. She also offered condolences to the families of the deceased, praying for strength and peace during this tragic time. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also extended his condolences and appealed to party workers to cooperate with authorities during the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

Earlier Weather Issues and Collapsing Structures

The collapse occurred after a period of severe weather, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, which might have contributed to the building’s structural failure. This incident follows a recent series of building mishaps in the region, including the collapse of a wall from an under-construction building last week in Madhu Vihar, which left one person dead and two injured. In an unrelated incident in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, five family members lost their lives when their house collapsed during a storm. As rescue teams continue their efforts, the community remains on edge, awaiting news of more survivors while mourning the tragic loss of life.