Panic gripped the congested Chawri Bazar quarter of Old Delhi on Thursday morning after a three-storey under-construction residential building suddenly collapsed into a heap of rubble. The mishap occurred in the Paiwalan neighbourhood near Sheesh Mahal along Gali Sattara, also identified as Gali Shahtara, situated directly opposite the local metro station. The abrupt structural failure generated a loud crashing noise and blanketed the busy alley in dense dust, sending residents and shopkeepers rushing out in alarm.
Emergency Alert Received at 9:50 AM
The Delhi Fire Services received the initial distress call reporting the building collapse at approximately 9:50 AM. Authorities promptly mobilized disaster response units toward the location, recognizing the logistical challenges posed by the historic quarter's narrow and crowded streets. First responders immediately focused on assessing whether construction workers or bystanders had been trapped beneath the collapsed slabs and masonry.
Six Fire Tenders and Response Units Dispatched
To mount a swift rescue effort, the fire department mobilized six emergency vehicles to the site. The dispatched convoy included three water tenders, a water bowser, a quick response vehicle, and an incident response team. As rescue requirements developed on the ground, additional fire engines and higher-ranking departmental officials were directed to the spot to coordinate the clearing work and reinforce personnel.
Joint Search and Clearance Operation Continues
Police officers and disaster relief workers have cordoned off the alley to facilitate physical debris removal. Due to restricted vehicular access inside the alleyways, personnel are manually clearing concrete chunks and metal reinforcements to search for trapped survivors. Medical teams have also been stationed nearby to provide immediate trauma care and ambulance transport the moment anyone is recovered from beneath the rubble.
