Five-storey building collapses in New Delhi, 12 rescued alive

At least 12 people have been rescued after a five-storey commercial building collapsed in southern New Delhi, triggering a major emergency response and raising concerns over construction safety in the Indian capital.

The incident took place on Western Marg in the Saidulajab area, near Saket Metro Station on Saturday evening (May 30).

According to local authorities, the building housed a coaching institute, several cafés and offices, while construction work was reportedly underway on its upper floors at the time of the collapse.

Police officials said all 12 victims rescued from the debris were found alive, though two sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment. Authorities believe no one remains trapped beneath the rubble, but search operations are continuing to ensure the site is fully cleared.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as cries for help were heard from beneath the collapsed structure moments after the building came down. A massive cloud of dust engulfed the area, while a section of the building crashed onto a nearby temporary tin-roofed canteen where students had been eating.

Fire service officials said local residents and police personnel managed to rescue three people before emergency teams arrived. Firefighters later joined forces with members of the **National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)** to conduct a large-scale rescue operation.

One of the injured, identified as Neelam, was inside the adjacent canteen when the collapse occurred. Her father, Balwant Yadav, told local media that around 30 to 35 students were present in the canteen at the time. Neelam suffered a fractured leg and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Rescue teams deployed heavy machinery, hydraulic cutters, specialized cameras and trained search dogs to comb through the debris. Personnel from the fire service, NDRF, police and local administration remained at the site throughout the operation.

Authorities have announced that a formal investigation will be launched once rescue efforts conclude. Officials will examine the building’s ownership records, construction permits and whether any negligence or structural violations contributed to the collapse.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over building safety and regulatory compliance in rapidly developing urban areas across India.

Source: NDTV