NEW DELHI: A video has captured the terrifying moment a three-storey commercial building near Saket Metro station in south Delhi collapsed within seconds, disappearing into a massive cloud of dust.
The footage shows dust initially billowing from the upper floors of the building, bystanders and residents can be seen gathered outside.
Moments later, the entire structure suddenly gives way, crashing to the ground and sending a thick wall of dust and debris sweeping through the area.
People standing nearby can be seen running for safety as chaos erupts around the collapsing building.
Read more: Moments before Saket building collapse, canteen owner rushed back to warn students — and never returnedThe building, located on Western Marg in Saidulajab, housed a coaching institute, cafes and offices. Construction work was reportedly underway on the upper floor when the collapse occurred on Saturday evening.
According to police, the structure was reduced to rubble and its debris crashed onto an adjoining tin-shed canteen popular among students preparing for competitive medical examinations, including the Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) Exam.
At least six people were killed and several others were injured in the incident, while rescue teams pulled multiple survivors from the debris. Some of the victims and injured were reportedly FMG aspirants studying in the area.
Also read: Mamata Banerjee announces sit-in protest on June 2 over post-poll violence, attacks on party leaders in West BengalThe collapse triggered an overnight multi-agency rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, district authorities and local volunteers. Teams used heavy machinery, hydraulic cutters, victim-location cameras and sniffer dogs to search through the wreckage for survivors.
Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the incident. A case of culpable homicide has been filed, and authorities are probing the exact cause of the collapse.
Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta visited the site and ordered a magisterial inquiry. She also warned of action against unauthorised constructions and officials found responsible for safety lapses.
Also read: Why was Twisha Sharma distressed: CBI turns spotlight on pregnancy, abortion and psychiatric recordsAmong those who lost their lives was Parvati Ojha, a canteen owner remembered by students as a mother figure. According to survivors and relatives, she rushed back into her canteen to warn students and help them escape after noticing the building shaking, but was trapped when the collapsing structure crashed onto the eatery.
Students later gathered near the site and at the hospital, mourning the woman many said had cared for them like family.
The TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicat...
Read MoreThe TOI City Desk is an indefatigable team of journalists dedicated to bringing you the pulse of cities from across the nation, all day and all night. Our mission is to curate, report, and deliver city news that matters to readers of The Times of India. With a keen focus on urban life, governance, culture, and local issues, we provide a comprehensive view of the ever-evolving cityscapes. Our team works tirelessly to keep readers informed about the latest developments, ensuring that they are connected to the heartbeat of cities across India, right when it happens. The TOI City Desk is a trusted source for staying in touch with the local stories that shape your world.
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