Under-Construction Three-Storey Building Collapses Near Delhi's Chawri Bazar Metro Station: 2 Dead, CM Orders Inquiry, FIR Against Contractor, 2 MCD Engineers Suspended
An under-construction three-storey building collapsed near the Chawri Bazar Metro station in Old Delhi at around 9:50 am on Thursday, 5 November 2026. Two deaths have been confirmed so far. In the early stage, several people were feared trapped under the debris.
Delhi Fire Services (DFS) and NDRF teams carried out rescue. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reached the site, ordered an inquiry and directed that an FIR be registered against the contractor. The MCD has suspended its Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE) in the matter.
Key Details of the Incident
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Gali Sitara, Paiwalan area, near Chawri Bazar Metro station |
| Building | Under construction, ground floor plus two floors |
| Time | 5 November 2026, around 9:50 am |
| Deaths | 2 (as per reports) |
| Injured | Reports mention 1 to 4 injured |
| Rescue | Delhi Fire Services (6 units) and NDRF |
Initially a fire official feared at least 15 people were trapped, while later reports said 2 bodies were pulled out and some injured were taken to hospital. Figures may change as rescue continues.
Action and Inquiry
- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered an inquiry into the incident.
- Directions were given to register an FIR against the contractor.
- The MCD suspended the Assistant Engineer (AE) and Junior Engineer (JE).
- An official was quoted as saying the material used was non-engineered and had not set properly. As per the CM, the exact cause will be clear after further investigation.
What Eyewitnesses Said
Locals said they first thought their own house had collapsed, and later found that the neighbouring under-construction building had come down. An eyewitness said construction on the building had been going on for 3-4 months. As per a report, the building came down as workers were trying to escape.
Old Delhi and the Question of Building Safety
Reports said this is the latest in a series of building collapses in Delhi. Questions have been raised again on safety checks, permissions and monitoring of under-construction and dilapidated buildings in densely populated areas.
- Plan approval and engineer supervision are needed before construction.
- If you see poor material or unsafe construction, complain to the municipal corporation (MCD).
- Get old buildings structurally checked if cracks appear or after heavy rain.
- Avoid crowding near such sites so rescue work is not obstructed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the Chawri Bazar incident happen?
At around 9:50 am on 5 November 2026.
How many people died?
Two, as per reports so far.
Has any action been taken?
Yes, the CM ordered an inquiry, directed an FIR against the contractor, and the MCD suspended the AE and JE.
What was said about the cause?
An official said the material was non-engineered and had not set properly. The final cause will be clear from the investigation.
Note: This story has been written in our own words by the Emitrawala.com team, based on news reports and public information. Figures and details may change over time; please confirm with official notices. This is a developing story; check official sources for the latest.
