A devastating wall collapse in southeast Delhi's Jaitpur area has claimed the lives of seven people, including two children, and left one person injured. The incident occurred on Saturday morning, following heavy rainfall in the capital. The victims were residing in jhuggies (makeshift dwellings) adjacent to an old temple in Hari Nagar, where they worked in scrap-related activities. The collapsed wall was part of a structure situated on a plot used for dumping scrap and was not intended for residential use.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, police have arrested Kurshid, a 49-year-old tenant, for allegedly accommodating the families illegally on the premises. Authorities are actively searching for the landlord, Rajbir Bhati, who is currently absconding.
The victims have been identified as Ravibul (27) and his daughter Ruksana (7), Hasina (7) and her mother Rubina (25), Safiqul (27) and his wife Doli (28), and Muttu Ali (50). Hasibul (25), Rubina's husband, is currently receiving treatment at Safdarjung Hospital Trauma Centre.
The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received a call regarding the wall collapse at 9:16 am on Saturday. According to reports, police received a call three minutes prior, stating that a "big wall has fallen" and people were trapped under the debris. Fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene, and rescue operations were initiated.
Authorities have registered a case at Jaitpur Police Station under sections 304 (abetment of an offence), 337 (negligence concerning a building) and 283 (public nuisance) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is ongoing, focusing on the circumstances leading to the collapse and the accountability of those responsible for the illegal housing.
The incident has brought to light the critical issues surrounding illegal housing and safety negligence in the city. Preliminary investigations suggest that the structure was weakened by the heavy rain, leading to the collapse. The fact that the building was not meant for residential purposes and yet housed several families highlights a concerning disregard for safety regulations and human lives.
The area has been evacuated to prevent further incidents, and authorities are assessing the stability of other structures in the vicinity. The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building codes and regulations, as well as measures to address the issue of unauthorized construction and illegal housing in Delhi. Concerns have been raised about the structural integrity of buildings, especially in densely populated areas. Incidents like these highlight the vulnerability of those living in inadequate housing and the potential for such tragedies, particularly during the monsoon season.
