Rescue teams have found no survivors beneath the debris of a collapsed five-storey building in Mehrauli, New Delhi, despite using advanced mechanical tools and sniffer dogs, officials stated on January 31, 2026.
Six people lost their lives and seven others were injured in the incident. Suneel Kumar Singh, Commandant of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), told the media that debris removal efforts are ongoing. He confirmed no signs of live persons were detected through canine or mechanical searches.
“The work of removing debris is underway. The NDRF team is on the ground and is on standby. If needed, they will continue their work. Sniffer dogs are used to locate survivors trapped inside. They track scents and provide indicators that dog handlers can interpret. However, in our search using dogs, no survivor was indicated. Therefore, using all our equipment, whether mechanical or canine resources, we haven’t found any trace of a live victim,” Singh said.
The building was located in Gali No 5, Western Marg, Said-ul-Azaib, near Saket Metro Station. Police received the first report of the collapse at approximately 7:35 pm from beat staff patrolling Saidulajab village. They arrived promptly, requesting backup, with the first PCR call logged at 7:38 pm.
Initial responders rescued six people trapped under debris, and all emergency agencies were immediately alerted. A green corridor was established for ambulance access, and police officers were deployed at AIIMS Trauma Centre, Safdarjung Hospital, and Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya Hospital to facilitate urgent care.
In coordination with the NDRF, District Disaster Management Authority, and Delhi Fire Services, nine additional individuals were later rescued and hospitalised. Officials reported that two of the injured have been discharged after first aid.
Post-mortem examinations are complete, and the bodies have been handed over to the families, who are receiving support from assigned staff. Delhi Police continue to assist in relief and recovery operations.
A case has been registered at Police Station Mehrauli under strict sections of Culpable Homicide, recorded as FIR No. 348/26 under sections 105/290/125(a) of BNS. Multiple raids targeting the alleged accused are underway, with investigations continuing.