A multi-storey building collapsed on Saturday evening near the Saket Metro Station in the Saidulajab area of South Delhi, triggering a large-scale rescue operation.According to Delhi Fire Services (DFS), they received a distress call at around 7:45 p.m., after which five fire tenders were immediately deployed to the site.At least eight people were rescued from the debris, while several others are feared trapped under the rubble.Notably, three individuals were reportedly pulled out by local residents even before the arrival of emergency services.

The collapsed structure was described as a ground plus three-storey building, with the third floor reportedly under construction at the time of the incident.Officials stated that it is still unclear whether the building was privately owned or government property.

The building collapsed onto an adjacent tin-shed canteen where a few children were having dinner, raising additional concerns that they may also be trapped under the debris.

Rescue teams including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Police, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Civil Defence, and ambulance services were deployed for coordinated rescue efforts.

Local residents reported hearing a loud sound resembling a “generator blast” moments before the collapse, followed by panic and a cloud of dust engulfing the area.The entire structure is said to have been reduced to rubble.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the situation is being closely monitored and assured that all possible efforts are being made to rescue those trapped.Search and rescue operations are continuing on a war footing.