Building collapses in Delhi's Saket, at least 9 pulled from debris as rescue operation continues

Five fire tenders along with rescue teams were rushed to the spot to carry out the operation, Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officials said.

A multi-storey building collapsed in the Saidullajab area near Saket Metro station in south Delhi on Saturday evening, and some people were feared trapped under the debris, Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officials said.

Officials at work during a rescue operation after a five-storey building collapsed near Saket Metro station area, in New Delhi, Saturday, May 30, 2026. (PTI)

Officials said at least nine people were pulled out of the rubble after emergency teams rushed to the site. Sunil Kumar Singh, Commandant of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) unit from Dwarka, said four people had already been rescued before NDRF teams arrived.

“When the NDRF reached here, we were told that 4 people have already been rescued. After that, we have rescued 4 conscious people and 1 unconscious. We did a canine search as well, and have now started removing the debris using JCBs. However, no casualty has been reported so far,” he said around 12:30 am.

A DFS official said the fire control room received a call at 7.45 pm informing it about the collapse of a multi-storey building in Saidullajab near Saket Metro station.

“The caller informed that some people were trapped under the debris. We have sent four fire tenders and are waiting for updates from the fire officials carrying out the search and rescue operation,” the official said.

A large number of people gathered at the spot, and many joined the fire and police teams in removing the debris and searching for trapped people.

Students wait anxiously for missing friends

The collapse sparked panic among students living in the area, which is home to several coaching centres, paying guest accommodations and budget eateries.

Many gathered near the entrance of the narrow street leading to the site, anxiously watching ambulances and rescue vehicles while trying to contact friends who regularly visited the building.

“My friend and I study at a nearby coaching centre, and we eat at the mess sometimes. I got to know around 8 that the adjoining building had collapsed. I do not know where he was, but I have been calling him for hours but he has not been picking up, even though the call is going through, so I am really worried that he is trapped inside,” said Gaurav Kumar, 23, who lives in a nearby PG accommodation.

Bystanders said the mess operating in the building was popular among students because of its affordable food and saw heavy footfall every day.

Another student, Devesh Rai, said he had been unable to contact a friend who frequently visited the mess.

“I think my friend may be trapped, as he did often visit the mess, and many people have been trying but no one has been able to find him all evening and he is not answering his calls. Him and I are both from Uttar Pradesh, and his parents are not aware of this yet, as we are hopeful that he is alright,” Rai, 25, said.

Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were inside the building when it collapsed.