Around 25 individuals were trapped beneath a collapsed marriage ‘pandal’ (temporary tent) near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and subsequently rescued on Saturday, as confirmed by officials.
The incident occurred close to Gate No. 2 of the stadium at approximately 11:15 am, according to Delhi Police sources. Upon notification, the Delhi Fire Services Department swiftly dispatched fire tenders to the location to initiate rescue operations.
Simultaneously, a team of Delhi police personnel arrived at the scene to assist in the rescue efforts. DCP South Ankit Chauhan informed the media that the collapse involved a pandal erected for a wedding event, with an estimated 25-30 laborers caught underneath the structure.
The pandal, intended for a wedding celebration near Gate No. 2 of the stadium, collapsed while being set up, trapping laborers who were working on-site. Local residents and individuals present at the scene promptly intervened to aid in the rescue, assisting in the retrieval of those trapped.
Chauhan disclosed that the collapsed pandal spanned an area of 30×60 sq ft and was registered under the name of an individual named Rajesh. Approximately 25-30 people were rescued from the debris and transported to AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital for medical attention.
The authorities continue to conduct a search and rescue operation at the site while further investigation into the incident is ongoing. Additionally, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to assist in the rescue efforts.
Asif Ansari, a medical technician from Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, reported that 10-12 injured individuals have been transferred to hospitals for treatment. Meanwhile, a security guard at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium claimed that the collapse occurred during lunchtime for the laborers and asserted that the impact was not severe.
