What Happened in Delhi's Humayun Tomb Complex? Six Lives Lost in Roof Collapse
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Synopsis
A devastating roof collapse in a dargah at the Humayun Tomb complex in Delhi resulted in six fatalities, including three women. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about building safety during the rainy season. Learn more about the incident and its implications.
Key Takeaways
- Six fatalities reported due to roof collapse.
- Emergency services responded promptly with a significant presence.
- Preliminary investigations suggest water damage may have contributed.
- The tragedy underscores the importance of building safety standards.
- Local authorities are investigating further into the structural integrity of the site.
New Delhi, Aug 15 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded on Friday evening when the roof of a dwelling unit linked to a dargah within the Humayun Tomb complex in the Nizamuddin area collapsed, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including three women, and leaving four others injured, according to the Fire Department.
The cave-in occurred at approximately 3:51 p.m. in a single-storey structure consisting of two rooms adjacent to Dargah Patte Wali, reported a fire department official.
In response to the incident, four fire tenders and 25 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, as stated by the fire department.
District Magistrate Sarvan Kumar confirmed that six people lost their lives, with some victims hailing from Nizamuddin, Mustafabad, and Zakir Nagar.
Rescue teams, including NDRF, DDMA, CATS Ambulance, and local police, transported the victims to the hospital.
Preliminary reports suggest that visitors had gathered to consult the imam, known for crafting taveez or religious pendants.
Shivansh Saini, the son of Anita, 56, a resident of Jangpura who perished in the incident, recounted, “We received a call informing us that my mother sustained injuries from a wall collapse. Upon arriving at AIIMS, I was shown her photo and informed of her passing during treatment.”
According to an official, initially, ten individuals were trapped beneath the debris; tragically, six succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital.
The specific cause of the collapse at the Dargah of Hazrat Patte Shah, located near the Humayun Tomb complex, is under investigation. However, early assessments suggest that the accumulation of rainwater and structural weakness may have contributed to the disaster.
At the time of the event, the dargah’s imam was reportedly inside the building, as indicated by a rescue team member.
In total, ten individuals were taken to the hospital – nine to AIIMS Trauma Centre and one to RML Hospital.
“Among the nine admitted to AIIMS, three women and two men were confirmed deceased by medical personnel. The remaining four, including a four-year-old child, are safe,” noted a fire department official.
An eyewitness, who was among the first responders, described hearing a loud rumble before rushing to assist the victims.
This incident follows two other rain-related tragedies on Thursday, where a motorcyclist in the Kalkaji area lost his life due to a falling tree, and two children died in a wall collapse in Basant Nagar, southwest Delhi.
Point of View
I am deeply saddened by the loss of life in this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the victims' families during this difficult time. It is imperative that we address the underlying issues of building safety and infrastructure resilience in urban areas, particularly during the monsoon season. We must ensure that such tragedies do not happen again.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the roof collapse in Delhi?
The preliminary investigation suggests that the roof collapse may be linked to water accumulation and structural weaknesses exacerbated by recent rains.
How many people were affected by the incident?
Six people lost their lives and four others sustained injuries as a result of the roof collapse.
What actions were taken after the collapse?
Emergency services, including the NDRF and local fire department, responded quickly to rescue victims and transport them to the hospital.
Where did this incident occur?
The incident occurred at a dwelling unit adjacent to the Dargah Patte Wali in the Humayun Tomb complex in New Delhi.
Were there any children involved in the incident?
Yes, among the injured, there was a four-year-old child who was reported to be safe after the rescue.
