3-storey building collapses in Delhi’s Chawri Bazar; 2 killed, several feared trapped

Two persons died while another was injured after a three-storey under-construction building collapsed in Old Delhi's Chawri Bazar on Thursday morning.

The three-storey structure, which was under construction, came crashing down around 9.50 am in Gali Sitara, close to the Chawri Bazaar Metro station.

According to officials quoted by PTI, multiple fire service units were rushed to the location soon after the incident was reported. At least six fire units, including water tenders and rescue vehicles, have been deployed to carry out search and rescue operations. Senior officers are also supervising the operation.

The number of people trapped under the debris was not immediately known.

Collapse reported amid Diwali shopping rush

The incident comes at a time when Old Delhi's wholesale markets are witnessing increased footfall ahead of Diwali. Areas such as Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar remain busy with shoppers visiting the markets for festive purchases.

The building collapse has also brought attention to the condition of old structures in the area, particularly amid concerns over the safety of buildings in densely populated commercial neighbourhoods.

Historic Town Hall in Chandni Chowk also suffers collapse

The latest incident comes a day after a portion of the more than 160-year-old Town Hall in Chandni Chowk reportedly collapsed, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The Grade-I protected heritage property, owned by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), suffered extensive structural damage. The facade, first floor, roof, walls of the main entrance porch and the clock mounted above it were among the portions that collapsed.

The building has remained largely unused since the MCD shifted its headquarters from the premises in 2011-12. Its corridors have reportedly fallen into disrepair, with damaged windows, peeling plaster and blocked passageways.

Previous building collapse claimed three lives

Last month, a five-storey residential building collapsed in Delhi's Seemapuri area, killing three people, including two children. Eight others sustained injuries in the incident.

The latest collapse in Chawri Bazaar adds to the series of building-related incidents reported in the national capital.