Heavy monsoon rains in Delhi’s Jaitpur area triggered the collapse of a wall near Mohan Baba Mandir at 09:13 local time (LT) on August 9, crushing several makeshift dwellings and trapping residents inside. Eight people, including two children, were confirmed dead, and one person remains hospitalized.
According to the Delhi Fire Service, the victims included three men, two women, and two girls. All were residents of temporary housing adjacent to the wall. Most families were engaged in scrap dealing and had migrated from West Bengal and Assam.
Local media report that approximately 90 cm (35.4 inches) of rainwater had accumulated near the base of the wall, adding significant pressure to its structure. Continuous overnight rainfall weakened the foundation, causing it to fail abruptly. Eyewitnesses described a loud, explosive sound moments before the collapse.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded 78.7 mm (3 inches) of rainfall at Safdarjung and 100 mm (4 inches) at Pragati Maidan in the 24 hours ending 08:30 LT on the day of the incident. A red alert was in effect for Delhi due to forecasted heavy precipitation and associated risks of flooding and waterlogging.
Authorities evacuated surrounding slums immediately after the incident to prevent further casualties. Structural safety assessments are underway, and debris clearance operations continued through the day.
Residents have called for a judicial inquiry into the structural integrity of walls and buildings in low-lying settlements, citing broader concerns over drainage capacity and urban safety during extreme weather events.
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