Delhi: A tragic wall collapse in Delhi's Jaitpur area led to the tragic death of seven people, including two young girls on Saturday. The incident took place n the Hari Nagar locality as Delhi witnessed relentless overnight rainfall on Raksha Bandhan, leading to widespread waterlogging that brought parts of the capital to a standstill.
8 People Were Initially Trapped Under Debris
According to officials, the incident occurred near an old temple adjacent to makeshift shanties inhabited by scrap dealers. Continuous heavy rain weakened the structure, causing the wall to collapse in the early hours. Eight people were trapped under the debris. Rescue teams from the police and other emergency agencies rushed to the spot and managed to pull all the victims out, rushing them to the hospital. Visuals of the site where the tragedy struck have surfaced on the internet.
However, despite the prompt rescue operation, seven people, including two women, three men, and two young girls, succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Only one survivor remains under medical care. Additional DCP (South East) Aishwarya Sharma confirmed that the adjoining shanties have been evacuated to prevent further casualties, given the risk posed by weakened structures in the vicinity, reported Hindi news portal Dynamite News.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast “thunderstorm with rain” in Delhi on Saturday, with a maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 27 degrees Celsius. Rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected to continue in the capital until August 12.
Traffic Chaos, Waterlogging In Delhi Amid Heavy Rain
Heavy rainfall on Saturday morning triggered massive traffic jams across the city, bringing several areas to a near standstill. Commuters reported long snarls at Moti Bagh, Ranjeet Nagar, ITO, and Panchkuian Marg. Waterlogging was observed on Mathura Road, while Bharat Mandapam’s Gate No. 7 was inundated following early morning showers.
Delhi Traffic Police Issues Advisory
In view of the Raksha Bandhan festival and persistent rain, the Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory urging commuters to avoid routes heavily affected by waterlogging. Severe congestion was reported at GTK Depot, Jahangirpuri, and Adarsh Nagar. Authorities warned that traffic on Old GT Road is likely to remain severely affected throughout the day.
“To avoid congestion, commuters are advised to avoid taking Old GT Road. Delhi Metro services are operational and can help minimize travel disruptions. Please plan your route accordingly,” the advisory read.
