New Delhi:The alleged negligence in security of buildings and construction work in the capital Delhi has once again taken away two lives. A three-storey building under construction suddenly collapsed on Thursday morning in Gali Sheesh Mahal, Chawri Bazaar, Old Delhi. Within no time, the debris of the building spread on the road and surrounding areas. There was an outcry in the area after the accident. Amidst the fear of people being buried under the debris, joint teams of Delhi Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service and Municipal Corporation (MCD) immediately took charge. So far, four people have been pulled out of the debris in this accident, out of which two died, while two other injured are said to be safe.
Building collapsed at 9:48 am, workers buried under debris
According to the information, at around 9:48 am, a three-storey building under construction in Gali Sheesh Mahal, Chawdi Bazaar suddenly collapsed. As soon as information about the accident was received, police and fire department teams reached the spot. After this, a massive rescue operation was started with the help of NDRF and MCD. Relief and rescue teams launched an operation to remove the debris and rescue the people trapped inside. So far four people have been evacuated.
Weeds spread in the homes of two families
Kishori (40) and Sanjeet (45) lost their lives in this accident. Both were residents of Railway Colony, Mandawali. Meanwhile, Sahdev Choudhary (25), son of Dara Choudhary, resident of Mandawali and Firoz (37), son of Tauheed, resident of Railway Colony, Mandawali were taken out in injured condition. The condition of both is said to be stable and they are out of danger. There is mourning in the families of two people due to the news of their death.
Three contractors arrested, role of construction work under investigation
After the accident, the police took strict action and started the process of registering a case against the building owners and contractors under section 105 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS). In the same case, the police have detained and arrested three contractors from village Sirohi of Tehsil Dauj of Faridabad district.
The arrested accused have been identified as Siraj, resident of house number 4282, Gali Sitara, Ajmeri Gate, Tajuddin, son of Samuddin, resident of house number 4409, Gali Sitara, Ajmeri Gate, Delhi and Farqan, son of Abdul Hafeez, resident of house number 2994, Gali Nal Wali, Shahganj Chowk, Ajmeri Gate, Delhi-6. Police is taking arrest action in the case of Section 105 of BNS registered against all three. The role of building owners and adherence to safety standards during construction is also being examined. While the relief and rescue operations continue, the police is trying to find out the cause of the accident and the people responsible.
Fire broke out in Ghaffar Market at midnight, four-storey building engulfed in flames.
On one hand, the happiness of two families was ruined due to the collapse of the building in Chawri Bazaar, while on the other hand, a midnight fire caused huge devastation in Gaffar Market of Karol Bagh. PCR received information about the fire at Ghaffar Market located in Chain Wali Gali at 1:28 pm. In this regard, DD number 8 was registered in Karol Bagh police station. As soon as the information was received, the night staff and SHO of Karol Bagh police station immediately reached the spot.
On the spot, shop number 13/21 of Puri Plaza was on fire. This is a four-storey commercial building, where mobile phone related goods are traded. According to preliminary information, mobile batteries were kept in the shop located on the ground floor of the building. It is suspected that the fire started from here and within no time the flames engulfed all the floors of the building.
20 to 25 fire engines took charge
Considering the magnitude of the fire, about 20 to 25 vehicles of the fire department were deployed on the spot. Apart from this, three CAT ambulances and two police PCR vehicles also reached the spot. Firefighters brought the fire under control after a lot of effort. It is a matter of relief that no casualty or injury has been reported so far in this incident. However, there has been loss of property due to burning of goods kept in buildings and shops.
Risk of fire due to overheating or overcharging of batteries
According to the police, in the initial investigation, overheating or excessive charging of mobile batteries is being considered as the possible cause of the fire. However, the actual cause of the fire will be confirmed only after investigation. For this, a detailed report will be sought from the fire department and electrical inspector. Also, the FSL team will inspect the building to find out whether any other inflammable material was present there.
Structural safety report of the building will be sought from MCD
Police have clarified that after the fire incident, the structural safety of the building will also be assessed. For this, safety assessment and certificate will be obtained from MCD, so that the possibility of danger to life and property due to weakening of the building or any other accident in future can be removed. Further legal action will be taken based on the investigation report. At present the fire has been completely extinguished and law and order is maintained at the spot.
Two accidents on the same day raised questions on security arrangements
Both the incidents of collapse of an under-construction building in Chawri Market and fire caused by batteries in Ghaffar Market have raised serious questions on building safety construction standards and fire safety arrangements in the busy markets of the capital. In one accident, two people lost their lives, while in the other, a market building with a turnover worth crores caught fire. Now investigation by police, fire department, FSL and MCD will make it clear what was the real reason behind these incidents and where were the security lapses.