Building collapses during demolition in Karol Bagh; 1 dead, 3 injured

Several people were injured after the wall of an old building collapsed in the Karol Bagh area of Delhi. Videograb: @ANI/X A labourer was killed, and three others were injured when a two-storey building collapsed during demolition work carried out by a private contractor in the Karol Bagh area at 11:15 a.m. on Friday (August 21, 2026), officials said.The incident occurred on Pyare Lal Road in Regarpura, central Delhi, where labourers were demolishing an old structure. According to the preliminary enquiry, the building owners had hired a private contractor to carry out the demolition work.Police said in a statement that the owner had not obtained permission from the relevant agency to demolish the structure. Police said the building suddenly collapsed during the demolition, trapping the labourers working at the site.After being informed by residents, officials said police and fire service personnel rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations.Police said one of the labourers, Sheikh Shamshad, sustained critical injuries and later succumbed. His body was shifted to the mortuary at Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) Hospital.Another labourer, Mohammad Ayub, suffered a head injury and a fracture of his right hand. Doctors initially provided medical treatment and later referred him to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where his condition was stated to be critical.Police said Sheikh Saidul suffered injuries to his limbs and was admitted to Jeevan Mala Hospital.Police identified another labourer as Rafik-Ul, and said he sustained minor injuries.Officials said the building owners and the contractor involved in the demolition work have been detained for questioning.Police said they are initiating further legal action under appropriate provisions, verifying the facts and assessing the circumstances that led to the building collapse.Further investigation is underway. Published - August 21, 2026 05:40 pm IST