Delhi: Building collapses in Uttam Nagar, rescue operation underway

A portion of a building collapsed in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar area on Friday afternoon, triggering a rescue operation amid fears that several people may be trapped under the debris, officials said.

According to the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), a call reporting the incident was received at 3.10 pm, following which five fire tenders were rushed to the spot. “Rescue operations are in progress. Our teams are working to clear the rubble and locate any trapped individuals,” a DFS officer said.

Initially, the DFS had reported that an entire building had collapsed, but police later clarified that only a portion of it had caved in. Multiple police teams have also joined the rescue efforts.

A police source said that some construction work was underway when a section of the structure gave way, trapping a woman and a few labourers under the debris.

The incident comes amid a worrying spike in building collapses across the capital. Exclusive DFS data shows that Delhi has recorded a more than 55 per cent increase in house collapses this year. Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, there were 247 such incidents. But from April 1 to September 30, 2025, the figure had already climbed to 384.

Also Read: Delhi Building Collapses: Experts cite use of sub-par material, MCD guideline violations

May and August were the worst months, with 98 and 97 collapses respectively, followed by July (78), September (44), April (36) and June (31).

The number of deaths and injuries has also surged. Up to April 20 this year, 27 collapses were reported—more than double the 12 recorded during the same period in 2024—marking a 55.5 per cent rise. Fifteen deaths were reported by April 20 this year, compared to eight in the same period last year.

In the longer term, DFS records show that between 2022 and 2023, 349 collapses led to 43 deaths and 315 injuries, while the following year saw 34 fatal and 213 non-fatal incidents that claimed 23 lives and injured 171 people.

Experts attribute the rising numbers to unsafe construction practices and poor regulation in unauthorised colonies, which often lack civic amenities, building oversight, and legal safeguards.

“Residents in these unplanned settlements remain the most vulnerable,” said an urban safety expert, calling for stricter enforcement of building codes and regular structural audits to prevent such tragedies.

(With inputs from PTI)