Delhi Seemapuri building collapse: Four dead, eight injured as rescue search continues
A building collapse in Delhi’s New Seemapuri area has killed four people and injured eight, according to reports available Thursday morning, October 8. The residential structure fell near Idgah Machhli Mandi on Wednesday afternoon. Rescue teams remained at the site after a fourth body was recovered from the debris Thursday morning; authorities had not announced that the search was complete.
What happened in the Seemapuri building collapse?
The building came down on October 7 in a densely built part of northeast Delhi. Emergency services received a call at about 3:30 p.m., and four fire vehicles were sent to the area. Falling debris also damaged walls of an adjoining building and the boundary wall of a nearby mosque, according to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Reports have described the structure as having different numbers of storeys: police called it a four-storey building, while other accounts counted five. That discrepancy does not change the confirmed location or the reported casualties.
How many people died or were injured?
The reported death toll rose from three to four when another body was recovered Thursday morning. The three deaths reported earlier were those of a 21-year-old pregnant woman and two children. Details about the fourth person had not been established in the available update.
Eight injured people were rescued and taken to Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital in Tahirpur. Officials had reported that 11 people were pulled from the debris by Wednesday evening, a figure that included the eight injured people. The subsequent recovery of a fourth body means those earlier figures should not be treated as a final count of everyone affected.
What is the latest rescue update?
Delhi Fire Service, police, National Disaster Response Force, disaster-management and civic teams took part in the response. Residents also helped clear debris. The narrow lanes around the site made access for heavy equipment difficult.
As of Thursday morning’s reports, crews were continuing to search the wreckage for anyone who might remain trapped. Authorities had not confirmed that rescue operations were over or issued a final casualty count.
What caused the building to collapse?
The cause has not been established. The MCD said neighbours reported cracks in the building after earthquake tremors on Tuesday. Other accounts raised questions about demolition work at an adjoining property. Neither explanation had been confirmed as the cause, and determining what brought the structure down will require an investigation.
