NEW DELHI: Seven people lost their lives and one was injured after a wall collapsed in southeast Delhi’s Jaitpur on Saturday morning, following a night of incessant heavy rainfall across the national capital.
According to Delhi Police, the wall — adjoining an old temple — collapsed onto several jhuggies (shanties) occupied by scrap dealers and ragpickers. The police control room received the first emergency call at 9:13 a.m., reporting that multiple persons were trapped under the debris.
Rescue operations were immediately launched by Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Eight people were pulled out from under the rubble and rushed to AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital. Tragically, seven victims — including three men, two women, and two minor girls — succumbed to their injuries during treatment. The lone survivor, identified as Hasibul (27) from Murshidabad, West Bengal, remains under medical care.
Preliminary reports indicate that all victims were migrant workers from West Bengal, earning their livelihood as ragpickers. Authorities suspect that continuous overnight rain may have weakened the wall, leading to the collapse. Police have stated that the structural condition, ownership, and possible negligence are under investigation, and an FIR is being registered under appropriate provisions of law.
Political Reaction
Aam Aadmi Party’s Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the BJP government, alleging negligence. “Seven persons have died on Raksha Bandhan, and there is chaos everywhere… Ministers and the Chief Minister are nowhere to be seen,” he said.
Heavy Rain and Other Incidents
Delhi recorded 78.8 mm of rainfall between Friday night and Saturday morning, with an additional 26 mm during the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a ‘red alert’ warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms, advising citizens to take necessary precautions.
In a similar incident, a wall at an underground Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) construction site near Vasant Kunj collapsed, causing a portion of the Mahipalpur–Mehrauli Road to cave in. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Widespread waterlogging was reported in several parts of the city, including Connaught Place, Dhaula Kuan, and Kalkaji, disrupting traffic and daily activities.
