The death toll in the Seemapuri building collapse in East Delhi rose to five on Thursday, 8 October, as rescue teams continued clearing debris from the five-storey structure and searching for people who may still be trapped.
A woman is among those killed, while two other victims have not yet been identified, according to the report by Jagran – New Delhi. The bodies of the two unidentified victims were recovered in a crushed condition. Four injured people have been discharged from hospital.
Rescue operations were continuing with the help of bulldozers. The narrow site and damage to neighbouring houses have made it difficult for emergency teams to remove the rubble and reach the collapsed sections of the building. Local residents said some people could still be trapped beneath the debris.
East Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police RP Meena said three possible factors had emerged in the initial assessment of the collapse. These included repair or construction work in the adjoining house, the age and alleged unauthorised construction of the collapsed building, and a possible earthquake.
Residents reportedly said the building had developed cracks after what they believed was an earthquake. The report did not establish whether seismic activity was officially confirmed as the cause. The police assessment described the earthquake as one possible factor alongside the condition of the building and work taking place next door.
The incident has also complicated the rescue operation because surrounding buildings were damaged and the lane is narrow. Heavy machinery is being used to remove the debris, but the condition of nearby structures remains an operational concern for rescue personnel.
The collapse brings immediate attention to the safety of older and allegedly unauthorised buildings in dense parts of Delhi, where closely packed structures can make both construction activity and emergency access difficult. The available report does not state whether the building had undergone a recent structural inspection or whether any formal action had been taken over the reported construction and repair work next door.
The number of deaths increased after two more people were reported killed on Thursday morning. Rescue work was still under way at the time of publication, with authorities continuing to clear the site and search the rubble for survivors.
