Deadly Collapse Kills Over 10, Wipes Out Family

Wooden casket with white flowers in a funeral home.

A three-story residential building in Delhi, India collapsed in the middle of the night, claiming the lives of at least 11 people, including 8 members of a single family, after reported structural issues that went unaddressed.

Key Takeaways

At least 11 people died when a residential building collapsed at 3 a.m. in Delhi, India on Saturday, April 19.
Eight victims belonged to the same family, highlighting the devastating impact on one household.
The building was reportedly only 8-10 years old and had ongoing pillar work, raising serious safety concerns.
Local residents had previously reported the building shaking after recent rainfall, but no action was taken before the collapse.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi confirmed the building did not follow required load-bearing safety protocols.

Deadly Night Collapse Leaves Community Devastated

A residential building in Delhi, India collapsed suddenly around 3 a.m. local time on Saturday, April 19, killing at least 11 people and injuring several others. Among the victims were eight members of a single family, compounding the tragedy for the local community. The building, located in a densely populated area, reportedly housed 22 people at the time of the collapse, with rescue teams working frantically to save those trapped beneath the rubble. The disaster has raised serious questions about building safety and enforcement of construction regulations in the area.

CCTV footage captured the harrowing moment of collapse, showing a thick cloud of dust enveloping the area as the structure gave way. Rescue teams and local volunteers quickly mobilized, using cranes and thermal imaging cameras to locate and assist those trapped in the debris. The rescue operation proceeded with urgency as hopes for finding survivors diminished with each passing hour. Local authorities have established an emergency response center to coordinate relief efforts and provide support to affected families.

At least 11 #people, including three #children, were #killed in New Delhi after a residential building collapsed on the outskirts of the #Indian capital.#India #NewDelhi

— Leaders MENA (@leadersmena) April 19, 2025

Warning Signs Ignored Before Catastrophe

Troubling details have emerged about the condition of the building prior to its collapse. According to reports, the structure was only eight to ten years old, relatively new by construction standards, yet was undergoing pillar work at the time of the incident. Local residents had previously reported concerning signs, including the building visibly shaking after recent rainfall, but these warnings apparently went unheeded by authorities. This lack of response has fueled anger and demands for accountability from community members and families of the victims.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi issued a statement confirming that the building did not comply with required load-bearing safety protocols. This admission has prompted officials to announce a comprehensive survey of other buildings in the area to identify similar structural deficiencies before another tragedy occurs. The incident has highlighted systemic issues in building code enforcement and inspection procedures that President Trump’s administration has warned about in American infrastructure projects, emphasizing the global nature of construction safety challenges.

Eyewitness Accounts and Official Response

Witnesses described the terrifying experience of the collapse, with one resident comparing it to an earthquake. The sudden nature of the collapse gave residents little time to evacuate, explaining the high casualty count. First responders described a chaotic scene upon arrival, with family members desperately searching for loved ones amid the debris.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families on social media, noting that local administration was providing all possible assistance to those affected. Local officials have promised a thorough investigation into the causes of the collapse and pledged support for families who lost homes and loved ones in this preventable disaster.