New Delhi [India], April 19: A tragic building collapse in Delhi’s Mustafabad area on Saturday claimed four lives, left many injured, and trapped over 100 people under the debris, officials confirmed. One individual was rescued and hospitalized earlier in the day, while search and rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies continued into the evening.
The deceased have been identified as Chandni (23), Danish (23), Naved (17), and Reshma (38). Five others, including Shahid (45), Rehana (38), Ahmed (45), Tanu (15), and Zeenat (58), are currently receiving treatment in hospital. Six individuals—Chand (25), Shan (4), Sanya (2), Neha (19), Alfez (20), and Aliya (17)—have been discharged after receiving medical care.
NDRF Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahedi shared the ongoing challenges in the operation, stating that the congested nature of the locality is hampering the movement of heavy machinery. “According to information received from locals, around 12 people are still trapped. Our team is working tirelessly. It’s a narrow area, and the rescue efforts are complex, but we’re hopeful,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly and Mustafabad MLA Mohan Singh Bisht visited the site and announced that the families of the deceased would receive compensation. He criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for negligence, alleging prior warnings about the building’s condition were ignored.
“Three months ago, after I won the elections, I had visited this area and raised concerns about this very building. I informed both the Delhi LG and the MCD Commissioner, urging immediate action. This tragedy reflects gross negligence,” said Bisht.
He also pointed to a larger issue, claiming that several buildings in Mustafabad pose similar risks and accusing power companies of neglecting electricity supply in poorer areas.