1 Dead, 3 Injured as Building Collapses During Demolition in Karol Bagh

A labourer was killed and three others were injured when a two-storey building collapsed during demolition work on Pyare Lal Road in the Regarpura area of Karol Bagh at 11:15 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026.

The incident took place while labourers were demolishing an old structure. According to a preliminary enquiry, the building owners had hired a private contractor to carry out the work. Police stated that the owner had not obtained the necessary permission from the relevant agency to demolish the building, which collapsed suddenly and trapped the workers underneath.

Local residents alerted authorities, following which police and fire service personnel rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations.

Police said one labourer, identified as Sheikh Shamshad, sustained critical injuries and later succumbed. His body was sent to the mortuary at Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) Hospital. Another worker, Mohammad Ayub, suffered a head injury and a fractured right hand. He was initially treated and later referred to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where his condition was reported to be critical.

A third labourer, Sheikh Saidul, suffered injuries to his limbs and was admitted to Jeevan Mala Hospital, while a fourth worker, identified as Rafik-Ul, sustained minor injuries.

Officials confirmed that the building owners and the private contractor responsible for the demolition work have been detained for questioning. Police are initiating further legal action under appropriate provisions and verifying the circumstances that led to the collapse as the investigation continues.