Old Rajender Nagar, Delhi – July 28, 2024 – In a heartbreaking incident in Delhi’s Old Rajender Nagar, the basement of the Rao IAS Coaching Center was inundated with water, leading to the tragic deaths of three students. The incident has sparked outrage and led to protests by students outside the affected coaching center.
According to the Delhi Fire Service, three bodies have been recovered so far: two girls and one boy. The basement, which housed a library for students, became the focal point of the disaster.
Details of the Incident
The building’s layout consisted of:
- Ground Floor (G): Teacher’s room, counseling, and admission section
- First Floor (1): Classrooms 1A and 1C
- Second Floor (2): Classrooms 2A and 2C
- Third Floor (3): Classrooms 3A and 3C
- Basement (B): Library
According to initial reports, approximately 30 to 35 students were present in the library when the basement began filling rapidly with water. As the water level rose, students climbed onto tables and chairs to escape the flooding. The pressure caused the basement’s glass panels to shatter, further complicating rescue efforts.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including the police and Delhi Fire Service, were called to the scene immediately. Rescue operations continued late into the night. The authorities are investigating how the basement was so quickly inundated and are working to determine the cause of the flooding.
READ MORE: Two Girls Dead Following Flooding Of Coaching Institute Basement In Delhi’s Rajendra Nagar
BJP Leader Blames Delayed Desilting for Tragedy, Calls for Immediate Action on Basement Use
On Old Rajender Nagar incident, BJP leader RP Singh says, “… The desilting work was not done on time. This would not have happened if the desilting had been on time… Water is flowing back in most areas. MLA or the Delhi government should answer why the desilting was not done and where the money for it went… This has happened in other places in Rajender Nagar but fortunately, there was no one in the basement… Delhi govt should issue an immediate order that coaching centres and libraries should not run in basements…”
#WATCH | Delhi: On Old Rajender Nagar incident, BJP leader RP Singh says, “… The desilting work was not done on time. This would not have happened if the desilting had been on time… Water is flowing back in most areas. MLA or the Delhi government should answer why the… pic.twitter.com/dINanHKcSi
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024
Students Protest
Following the tragic event, students staged a protest against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) outside the coaching center, demanding accountability and improved safety measures. The incident has drawn significant public attention and highlighted the urgent need for better infrastructure and emergency preparedness in educational institutions.
#WATCH | Old Rajender Nagar incident | Delhi: A group of students staged a protest against the MCD outside the place where the basement of a coaching class was filled with water claiming the lives of three students pic.twitter.com/Siyk5C2nDP
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024
Ongoing Investigation
Delhi Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the flooding. Preliminary findings suggest that the rapid influx of water led to dangerous conditions in the basement, resulting in the unfortunate loss of lives. The authorities are examining whether the building’s design and safety measures were adequate and if any negligence contributed to the tragedy.
On the Old Rajender Nagar incident, DCP Central M Harshavardhan says, “… The bodies have been sent to the hospital for further legal action. Rescue operations are still underway. The water is being pumped out. There is still about 7 feet of water in the basement… I request the student community to not come here and hamper the rescue services. We share their pain but coming here to the spot is not the solution. It will hamper the rescue services…”
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of maintaining safe and well-equipped facilities in educational institutions.
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