At Least 11 People Dead — Several from the Same Family — After a 4-Story Residential Building Collapsed

At least 11 individuals have tragically lost their lives, including several members of the same family, following the collapse of a residential building in Delhi, India. The catastrophic incident occurred early in the morning on Saturday, April 19, with reports indicating that there were a total of 22 people inside the building at the time of its collapse. CCTV footage obtained from a nearby building captured the harrowing moment, which was swiftly followed by a cloud of thick dust enveloping the vicinity.

Efforts to rescue those trapped under the rubble were tirelessly carried out throughout the night by a combination of rescue teams and local volunteers. Utilizing cranes and thermal cameras, they worked against the clock to locate and assist any survivors. One distraught individual, who lost two nephews in the collapse, shared, “The building was eight to 10 years old. Pillar work was underway. The whole foundation gave way. Two school-going boys are gone. Everything — gold, cash — is under the rubble.”

Expressing frustration and sorrow, a local resident remarked, “They should have checked the building. We kept saying it was shaking after the [recent] rain. But nobody came.” The Municipal Corporation of Delhi revealed that the ill-fated four-story building did not comply with the required load-bearing safety regulations. Concerns were raised about the structural integrity of other buildings in the vicinity, prompting officials to announce plans for a comprehensive survey of similar structures in the area.

Eye-witnesses described being rudely awakened in the dead of night, likening the tremor caused by the collapse to an earthquake. The gravity of the situation was palpable as the dust settled, revealing the devastating aftermath of the tragedy. Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the disaster, acknowledging the profound loss of life and assuring that support from local authorities was being extended to those in need.

In a show of solidarity and compassion, rescue operations continued unabated as the community grappled with the enormity of the tragedy. Efforts were made to provide updates and support as the search for survivors continued. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent building regulations and regular safety inspections to prevent such calamities from occurring in the future.

As the nation mourns the lives lost in this heartbreaking incident, authorities are urged to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the building collapse and hold any negligent parties accountable. The resilience and unity displayed in the face of adversity underscore the unwavering spirit of the community in times of crisis.