Rescue work underway after a four-storey building collapsed, at Burari area, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Photo: PTI Rescue work underway after a four-storey building collapsed, at Burari area, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Photo: PTI

A devastating incident struck Burari in north Delhi on Monday evening when a newly constructed four-storey building near Oscar Public School collapsedmegapanalo, leaving at least three people dead, including two young girls. 

The rescue operations are still underway as authorities scramble to free others potentially trapped under the rubble.

The deceased have been identified as Saadhna, 17, and Radhika, 7. A third individual, a man, has yet to be identified. In addition to the three confirmed fatalities, 12 people have been rescued from the debris, according to Delhi Police.

Delhi Elections 2025: SC Allows Tahir Hussain To Campaign Under Police Custody From Jan 29 To Feb 3

Last year, India won the title at home, making them the only team to bag four titles in the history of the tournament.

"With a brief break after the Paris Olympics, the team is ready to take on the best hockey playing nations in Asia and prove its mettle.

The building, located in a 200-square-yard area, collapsed around 7 pm on Monday. Authorities were alerted promptly, triggering an immediate response from the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Rescue operations continued throughout the night, with officials warning that more people could still be trapped inside.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure that everyone who is trapped is rescued safely. However, the situation remains very precarious,” said a police officer involved in the operation. “Our teams are working tirelessly to remove the debris and locate any survivors.”

Delhi Police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Multiple teams are being deployed to gather further information, with legal action expected to be taken against the building owner.

Delhi's Chief Minister, Atishi, expressed her condolences and assured the public that all necessary help would be provided. “This incident is extremely sad. I have spoken to the local administration to ensure speedy relief and rescue operations. All possible help will be provided to the affected people,” she said in a statement posted on social media.

Uttar Pradesh: 5 Dead, 40 Injured As Stage Collapses At Religious Event In Baghpat; Probe Underway

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also responded swiftly, directing the local MLA, Sanjeev Jha, to assist in the relief efforts. “This is a very tragic incident. Our MLA from Burari, Sanjeev Jha, has been instructed to immediately go to the site with party workers and help the administration in relief and rescue operations,” Kejriwal wrote on social media.

In a video released on Tuesday morning, Delhi Fire Services Chief Atul Garg provided an update on the operation. “Some of our personnel have been on the site since last night without rest. We are coordinating with other agencies to help remove the debris and rescue the trapped individuals,” Garg said.

(With PTI inputs)megapanalo