Delhi building collapse: Death toll rises to 6 in Saidulajab
Synopsis
A four-storey building under construction in Delhi's Saidulajab village collapsed onto a tin shed canteen where children were eating — killing six and injuring several more. With a culpable homicide case now filed and a magisterial inquiry ordered, the incident has reignited scrutiny over unauthorised construction in Delhi's urban villages.
Key Takeaways
Six people killed after a four-storey building collapsed in Saidulajab village , south Delhi, on 30 May .
Seven people remain hospitalised; two were discharged after first aid; a total of 15 people were rescued from the debris.
The building fell onto a nearby tin shed canteen where children were dining at the time of the collapse.
A Culpable Homicide case has been registered at Mehrauli Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry and directed action against unauthorised buildings and responsible officials.
Exact cause of the collapse is yet to be determined; investigation and rescue operations were ongoing as of Sunday evening.
At least six people were killed and several others injured after a four-storey building collapsed in Saidulajab village, south Delhi, near the Saket metro station on the evening of 30 May, Delhi Police confirmed in an official statement. Rescue operations continued through Sunday, with teams from multiple agencies working to clear the debris.
How the Collapse Unfolded
According to Delhi Police, beat staff from the Mehrauli Police Station received information about the collapse at 7:35 pm on 30 May while on routine patrol. A PCR call was logged at 7:38 pm, and backup was summoned immediately. Eyewitnesses said the building came down around 6 pm on Saturday, crashing onto a nearby tin shed canteen where children were dining at the time.
The structure comprised a ground floor with three additional levels that were reportedly under construction. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the collapse.
Rescue and Relief Operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and the Delhi Fire Service joined Delhi Police in the rescue effort. Six people were pulled from the debris in the initial response; a further nine were subsequently rescued and hospitalised.
A green corridor was established to ensure uninterrupted ambulance movement from the site. Dedicated police teams were deployed at AIIMS Trauma Centre, Safdarjung Hospital, and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital to facilitate urgent medical care. According to the police statement, seven people remain under treatment, while two were discharged after first aid. The bodies of the six deceased have been handed over to their families following post-mortem examinations.
Criminal Case Registered, Inquiry Ordered
Delhi Police have registered a case of Culpable Homicide at Mehrauli Police Station under Sections 105, 290, and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Teams are conducting multiple raids in connection with the alleged reasons behind the collapse, and further investigation is underway.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site on Sunday morning to review rescue and relief operations. Her office stated that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered under the District Magistrate (DM), South District. Officials have been directed to inspect dilapidated and hazardous buildings in the surrounding area and take strict action wherever necessary.
Action Against Unauthorised Structures
Chief Minister Gupta assured residents of strict action against unauthorised buildings and the officials responsible for approving or overlooking them. Her office confirmed that all concerned departmental officials have been put on notice. This comes amid longstanding concerns over illegal and structurally unsafe constructions in Delhi's densely populated urban villages, where regulatory oversight has historically been inconsistent.
Rescue operations were still ongoing as of Sunday evening, with Delhi Police continuing to assist relief and recovery efforts at the site.
Point of View
But they will matter only if they reach the officials who cleared or ignored the structure — not just the builder. The pattern is familiar: a collapse, a VIP visit, an inquiry, and then silence until the next one.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Saidulajab building collapse in Delhi?
A four-storey building under construction collapsed in Saidulajab village, south Delhi, near the Saket metro station on the evening of 30 May, killing at least six people and injuring several others. The structure fell onto an adjacent tin shed canteen where children were eating at the time.
How many people were rescued and how many are still hospitalised?
A total of 15 people were rescued from the debris — six in the initial response and nine subsequently. Seven remain under treatment at hospitals including AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital, while two were discharged after first aid.
Has a criminal case been filed in connection with the collapse?
Yes. Delhi Police registered a Culpable Homicide case at Mehrauli Police Station under Sections 105, 290, and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Multiple raids are being conducted and further investigation is underway.
What action has the Delhi government announced?
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site on Sunday and ordered a magisterial inquiry under the District Magistrate of South District. She also directed officials to inspect hazardous and dilapidated buildings in the area and take action against unauthorised structures and the officials responsible for them.
What caused the building to collapse?
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the collapse. The building had a ground floor with three additional levels that were reportedly under construction at the time of the incident. Investigation is ongoing.
