Several Feared Trapped as Building Collapses in Old Delhi

At least a dozen people are feared trapped after a multi-story commercial building collapsed in Old Delhi’s historic commercial district on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred around 8:30 AM near the Jama Masjid area, where the building was reportedly under construction.

Rescue teams from the Delhi Fire Services and local emergency responders rushed to the scene following reports of the collapse. Initial estimates suggest that the structure, which housed a mix of shops and offices, partially collapsed during what officials described as an unexpected structural failure.

The building had been under renovation for several months, with contractors reportedly working on the upper floors when the incident occurred. Local residents said they heard a loud crash followed by dust and debris filling the air.

Authorities have cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents and assess the stability of surrounding buildings. The fire department has deployed specialized equipment including search-and-rescue robots and thermal imaging devices to locate survivors.

Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, confirmed that the collapse was not linked to any external factors such as earthquakes or explosions. He added that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident.

The area is known for its dense commercial activity and high foot traffic, raising concerns about potential casualties beyond those currently trapped. Emergency officials have not yet released a definitive number of injured or missing.

Local media reported that some residents were evacuated from nearby buildings as a precaution. The collapse has sparked renewed debate over building safety standards in Old Delhi’s rapidly developing urban zones.

The fire department remains on high alert, with rescue operations continuing through the day. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional casualties and are awaiting results from structural assessments before proceeding further.

The incident comes amid growing concerns about construction practices in India's urban centers, where rapid development often outpaces safety regulations. The Delhi government has promised a full investigation into the collapse and is reviewing building codes for similar structures.

Rescue teams continue their efforts to extract survivors while authorities prepare for possible long-term impact on the commercial hub. The situation remains fluid as emergency services work around the clock.