A night of panic unfolded in south Delhi's Saidulajab after a four-storey building collapsed near Saket Metro Station, killing at least four people and injuring several others. As rescue teams worked through the night to clear debris and search for survivors, distraught relatives and anxious residents gathered near the site, desperately waiting for news of their loved ones.
The collapse reduced a busy commercial and residential structure into a mound of concrete and twisted metal within moments. The building reportedly housed a mess, paying guest accommodation, coaching facilities, offices and cafes, making fears of a high number of people trapped particularly alarming.
Screams beneath the rubble
According to the Hindustan Times, residents who rushed to the scene described terrifying moments immediately after the collapse. Many said a thick cloud of dust engulfed the area before cries for help emerged from beneath the debris.
Witnesses recalled hearing desperate screams from trapped occupants as neighbours and passers-by attempted to assist before emergency services arrived in full strength. The collapse also affected a portion of an adjoining structure, adding to concerns about the safety of nearby buildings.
Several students and working professionals who frequented the premises remained outside throughout the night. Some repeatedly tried contacting friends and relatives believed to be inside when the structure came down. For many, every ringing phone without an answer deepened fears that their loved ones were trapped beneath the wreckage.
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Families question rescue response
According to the Hindustan Times, as rescue operations continued, emotions ran high among family members searching for missing relatives. Some questioned whether authorities were providing adequate information about those rescued and those still unaccounted for.
One woman waiting for news about her mother expressed frustration over the lack of updates, claiming local residents initially played a crucial role in helping victims. Similar concerns were echoed by several people gathered near the site, many of whom spent hours anxiously watching ambulances arrive and depart.
Residents said the building witnessed heavy footfall every day because of the coaching centres, eateries and offices operating from the premises, raising concerns that the number of people present at the time of collapse could have been substantial.
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Massive rescue effort continues
According to the Hindustan Times, teams from multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police and civic authorities, continued search operations throughout the night and into Sunday morning.
Officials said several people had been pulled from the debris and rushed to the hospital, while rescue personnel continued combing through the rubble for anyone still trapped. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said all available resources had been deployed and that agencies were working in coordination to save lives.
