Delhi building collapse: 2 dead, 10 trapped in Saidulajab; CM Gupta orders probe
Synopsis
A building under construction collapsed onto a canteen full of children in south Delhi's Saidulajab on Saturday evening, killing two and leaving around 10 people trapped. CM Rekha Gupta's Sunday site visit and magisterial inquiry order spotlight Delhi's chronic unauthorised-construction problem — and the enforcement failures that keep enabling it.
Key Takeaways
A four-storey building collapsed in Saidulajab, south Delhi near Saket metro station around 6 pm on Saturday .
At least 2 people have died ; approximately 10 remain trapped under the rubble as of Sunday.
Of roughly 30 people present, only 9 have been pulled out so far — 2 discharged , others in critical condition.
NDRF , Delhi Police , and civil defence teams have been operating continuously since Saturday night.
A criminal case has been registered at Mehrauli Police Station and a magisterial inquiry ordered under the South District DM .
CM Rekha Gupta has directed action against unauthorised buildings and negligent officials in responsible departments.
A four-storey building collapsed in south Delhi's Saidulajab area near Saket metro station on Saturday evening, killing at least two people and leaving an estimated 10 others trapped under the rubble. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site on Sunday to review rescue operations and ordered strict action against unauthorised structures and the officials responsible for them.
What Happened
The building, which comprised a ground floor and three additional levels under construction, came down around 6 pm on Saturday, crashing onto a nearby tin shed canteen where children were dining at the time. Eyewitnesses described the collapse as sudden, sending shockwaves through the surrounding neighbourhood.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the collapse. The structure was reportedly unauthorised, according to officials at the scene.
Rescue Operations Under Way
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Police, and civil defence units have been conducting search and rescue operations continuously since Saturday night. According to an official at the site, approximately 30 people were present in or around the building at the time of the collapse. Of these, nine have been pulled out so far — two have died, two have been discharged, and the condition of the remaining five is reported to be critical. Around 10 people are still believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
What the Government Said
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, speaking to reporters at the collapse site, said: 'Strict action will be taken against all such unauthorised buildings, and action will also be taken against all responsible officials.'
According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, a criminal case has been registered at Mehrauli Police Station on Gupta's instructions. A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered under the leadership of the District Magistrate (DM), South District. Officials have additionally been directed to inspect dilapidated and hazardous buildings in the vicinity and take corrective action wherever required.
Accountability and Next Steps
This incident renews scrutiny over Delhi's persistent problem of unauthorised and structurally unsafe constructions, particularly in densely populated south Delhi localities. Notably, this is not an isolated case — building collapses linked to illegal construction have recurred across the capital over the years, raising questions about enforcement gaps in municipal oversight.
The Chief Minister's Office stated that action would be taken against officials in the concerned departments found negligent. Further details on the inquiry timeline and the status of trapped individuals are awaited as rescue operations continue.
Point of View
Not merely an ageing structure, came down on children eating in a canteen below. That detail matters: it points to active regulatory failure, not just legacy neglect. Delhi's municipal bodies have repeatedly promised drives against unauthorised construction; the criminal case and magisterial inquiry ordered by CM Gupta are standard post-collapse responses that have rarely translated into systemic change. The real accountability test is whether the inquiry names the officials who cleared — or ignored — this structure at the permitting stage, not just those at the site on rescue day.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Saidulajab building collapse in Delhi?
A four-storey building under construction collapsed in the Saidulajab area of south Delhi near Saket metro station at around 6 pm on Saturday. The structure fell onto an adjacent tin shed canteen where children were present, killing at least two people and trapping around 10 others.
How many people are still trapped in the Delhi building collapse?
As of Sunday, approximately 10 people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble. Of the roughly 30 people present at the time, nine have been extracted — two died, two were discharged, and the rest remain in critical condition.
What action has Delhi CM Rekha Gupta ordered after the collapse?
CM Rekha Gupta visited the site on Sunday and ordered a magisterial inquiry under the South District DM, a criminal case at Mehrauli Police Station, and directed officials to inspect hazardous buildings nearby. She also ordered action against all responsible officials in the concerned departments.
Was the collapsed building in Saidulajab unauthorised?
Officials have indicated the building was unauthorised. The Chief Minister's Office confirmed that action has been ordered specifically against unauthorised structures and the officials responsible for permitting or overlooking them.
Which agencies are conducting the rescue operation in Saidulajab?
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Police, and civil defence units are jointly carrying out the search and rescue operation, which has been ongoing continuously since Saturday night.
