Delhi CM Rekha Gupta visits building collapse site in Saket, affirms ‘action against unauthorised' structures

Rescue operations, involving the NDRF, DFS, DDMA, MCD, Civil Defence, and CATS Ambulance Service, continued overnight and are still underway.

Updated on: May 31, 2026, 14:02:51 IST

By HT News Desk

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A four-storey building collapsed in south Delhi's Saidulajab area near Saket metro station on Saturday evening, killing at least five persons so far. Chief minister Rekha Gupta affirmed strict action against unauthorised buildings and officials responsible for them.

The incident took place on Western Marg in Saidulajab, a locality known for a sea of PG accommodation, coaching centres, and student messes. (PTI)

Eight others were injured in the incident, of whom two are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at the AIIMS Trauma Centre, three have been shifted to a ward, and three others have been discharged, a senior police officer said, as reported by HT.

The collapsed building housed a mess and a paying guest accommodation. Rescue operations, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services (DFS), Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Civil Defence, and CATS Ambulance Service, continued overnight and are still underway.

Delhi's chief minister Rekha Gupta visited the incident site and spoke to reporters, noting that doctors and rescue teams are still inside the collapsed site. She said that additional rescue forces are also being deployed.

"Rescue operations are being carried out very carefully. Action will be taken against all such unauthorised buildings and the officials responsible for them," Gupta added.

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said they received a call regarding the collapse at 7:44 pm on Saturday. The incident took place on Western Marg in Saidulajab, a locality known for a sea of PG accommodation, coaching centres, and student messes.

Criminal case lodged, magisterial inquiry ordered

The chief minister's office took to X to share an update on Gupta's visit to the site and said that, based on her instructions, a criminal case has been registered at the Mehrauli police station. A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered under the purview of District Magistrate (DM), South District.

"Additionally, officials have been directed to inspect dilapidated and hazardous buildings in the vicinity and to take strict action wherever necessary," the CMO said.

Soon after the building collapsed, Gupta took to X to express "deep concern".

ALSO READ | ‘All we could hear were screams’: Witnesses recall building collapse horror in Delhi's Saidulajab

"Teams from NDRF, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, MCD, CATS and Civil Defence are carrying out rescue operations on a war footing. Every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped and provide immediate assistance to the affected families," she said.

Gupta further stated that the situation was being closely monitored, adding that all concerned agencies were working in coordination. "The safety and well-being of every citizen remain our highest priority," she added.

Additionally, JCB machines are also reportedly being used to remove rubble as rescue operations continue.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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