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The Delhi Fire Service (DFS) received a call about the building collapse at around 3.30 pm and rushed fire tenders to the spot. Delhi Police, civic officials and civil defence personnel also reached the site and launched a search and rescue operation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Rajendra Prasad Meena said some people had been rescued and taken to hospitals, while two to three people were suspected to remain trapped under the debris.
"It's a four-storey building measuring 225 square feet. Some people have been rescued and sent to hospitals, but we suspect that two to three people are still trapped under the debris. They are talking... rescue operation is underway," he said.
Residents help pull out victims
A local resident said four to five people had been rescued by residents and taken to hospitals as rescue efforts continued at the site."Police came after half an hour. There is a child still trapped and some have been rescued by people and sent to hospitals. I have given CPR myself. Two to three people have been sent to hospital," the local resident said.
Officials and rescue personnel were continuing to search through the debris for those who may still be trapped.
Locals claimed the building had developed cracks following tremors felt across Delhi-NCR after an earthquake in Uttarakhand on Tuesday night. Officials, however, said the exact cause of the collapse would be ascertained after an investigation.
Traffic hit around Seemapuri
The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory asking commuters to avoid the affected area as traffic movement was disrupted around Seemapuri Gol Chakkar, DLF Bhopura and adjoining roads.The traffic police asked people not to stop, park or gather near the collapse site, stressing that keeping lanes clear would allow ambulances and rescue vehicles to reach the spot faster.
"Every clear lane gives an ambulance and rescue vehicle a faster way through," the Delhi Traffic Police said in a post on X.
It also asked commuters to follow directions issued by traffic personnel as rescue operations continued.
(With inputs from PTI)