Delhi building collapse horror: 3 bodies recovered, sniffer dogs deployed as rescue teams scan rubble

Rescue teams continued intensive search operations on Sunday after a multi-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Mehrauli area, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials confirming that three bodies have been recovered from the debris while no signs of surviving victims have been detected so far.

Speaking from the collapse site, NDRF Commandant Suneel Kumar Singh said rescue personnel have used all available resources and equipment during the operation and have not found any indications of people still alive under the rubble.

“Three dead bodies have been recovered. We have not received any missing reports after that. The NDRF team is on the ground. Sniffer dogs will look for traces in case any victims are trapped inside. We have used all resources and equipment, and we have not received any traces of any live victims so far,” Singh said.

The building collapse occurred near the Saket Metro station area in South Delhi’s Mehrauli locality, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving the NDRF, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). Rescue teams worked through the night, removing debris and searching for possible survivors trapped beneath the collapsed structure.

Officials said several people were rescued from the site and shifted to hospitals for treatment. Earlier reports indicated that multiple victims suffered injuries, while some remained in critical condition after being pulled out from the rubble. Rescue teams created emergency corridors to ensure ambulances could quickly transport the injured to nearby medical facilities.

The collapsed structure was located in Saidulajab near Western Marg and reportedly housed coaching centres, offices and eateries frequented by students. Authorities said debris from the collapse also damaged adjoining structures, complicating rescue efforts.

As the operation continued, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Delhi Police have also registered a criminal case and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse. Officials are examining allegations related to unauthorised construction activity and structural safety violations.

The tragedy has once again raised concerns over building safety in densely populated parts of the national capital, particularly in areas where illegal construction and unauthorised modifications have repeatedly come under scrutiny.

Authorities said rescue teams would continue combing through the debris until the site is fully cleared and all possibilities of trapped victims are ruled out. Sniffer dogs and specialised search equipment remain deployed as a precautionary measure while the investigation progresses.