Building collapse in Delhi's Harsh Vihar kills father, son
Synopsis
A father-son pair died in Northeast Delhi after construction work on an additional floor caused existing slabs to cave in — the second such building collapse in the capital this October. An NDRF-led overnight rescue recovered both bodies; legal action is underway as authorities probe the cause.
Key Takeaways
Chanderpal , 60, and his son Vijay Kumar , 33, died after building slabs collapsed at Milan Garden, Harsh Vihar , Northeast Delhi on Sunday, 26 October .
The collapse reportedly occurred while a new floor was being added above an old load-bearing structure.
An overnight rescue involving the NDRF , Delhi Fire Service , Civil Defence, a crane, and two ambulances recovered both victims.
Both men were declared brought dead at Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital .
Delhi Cabinet Ministers Kapil Mishra and Ashish Sood visited the site; legal action is being initiated.
A similar building collapse occurred earlier in October at Delhi's Seemapuri , highlighting a pattern of unsafe construction in the capital.
A 60-year-old man and his 33-year-old son died after two slabs of a building collapsed at Milan Garden in the Harsh Vihar area of Northeast Delhi on Sunday evening, 26 October 2025, officials confirmed on Monday. The deceased have been identified as Chanderpal, 60, son of the late Nanak Chand, and his son Vijay Kumar, 33, both residents of Gali No. 14 in Harsh Vihar.
How the Collapse Unfolded
According to officials, the incident occurred when a new floor was being constructed above an existing old house. During the construction work, a portion of the existing roof reportedly gave way, causing the slab above it to collapse as well, trapping both men under the debris. The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received information about the incident at 6.40 pm on Sunday and immediately dispatched two fire tenders to the site.
Overnight Rescue Operation
An overnight rescue operation was launched involving two fire brigade vehicles, two ambulances, and a crane. Civil Defence volunteers and a team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also reached the spot to assist. Rescue teams cleared the debris and searched through the collapsed structure to locate those trapped. Both men were eventually pulled out from beneath the rubble and rushed to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.
Officials and Ministers at the Scene
Delhi Cabinet Ministers Kapil Mishra and Ashish Sood visited the site to assess the situation. Officials confirmed that legal action under the relevant provisions of law was being initiated, and further investigation is in progress to ascertain the circumstances that led to the collapse.
A Recurring Safety Concern in Delhi
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier in October, a portion of a multi-storied building collapsed in north Delhi's Seemapuri area, with many feared trapped under the debris. The pattern points to a persistent problem of unsafe construction practices — particularly the addition of unauthorised floors above old load-bearing structures — that authorities have struggled to contain. The latest tragedy in Harsh Vihar has once again raised urgent questions about building safety oversight and enforcement in the capital.
Point of View
These tragedies will repeat.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Harsh Vihar building collapse in Delhi?
Two slabs of a building collapsed at Milan Garden in Harsh Vihar, Northeast Delhi, on Sunday evening, 26 October, trapping a father and his son under the debris. Both men — Chanderpal, 60, and Vijay Kumar, 33 — were declared dead at GTB Hospital after an overnight rescue.
What caused the building to collapse in Harsh Vihar?
According to officials, a new floor was being constructed above an existing old house when a portion of the existing roof reportedly gave way, causing the slab above it to collapse as well. Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances.
Who responded to the Harsh Vihar building collapse?
The Delhi Fire Service deployed two fire brigade vehicles and two ambulances, while a crane, Civil Defence volunteers, and an NDRF team were also deployed. Delhi Cabinet Ministers Kapil Mishra and Ashish Sood visited the site.
Is this the first building collapse in Delhi this October?
No. Earlier in October, a portion of a multi-storied building collapsed in Delhi's Seemapuri area, with many feared trapped. The Harsh Vihar incident is the second such collapse in the capital within the same month.
What action is being taken after the Harsh Vihar collapse?
Officials confirmed that legal action under the relevant provisions of law is being initiated. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the full circumstances of the collapse.
