A sudden heavy downpour in Delhi resulted in the tragic deaths of three students and left several others trapped in the basement of a coaching center in Old Rajender Nagar on Saturday. The usually bustling center, filled with students preparing for competitive exams, became inundated with water, sparking a desperate search and rescue operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities.
The unexpected flooding turned the coaching center into a perilous situation, leading to an urgent response from emergency teams.
Delhi Police DCP (Central) M Harshavardhan reported that they received information about the flooding at around 7 pm. The basement of the coaching institute had quickly filled with water due to the heavy rains, leading to waterlogging on the roads.
Initial rescue operations led to the recovery of one girl’s body, with efforts continuing to locate and save others trapped in the flooded basement. The Delhi Fire Service and NDRF teams were on-site, working tirelessly amid challenging conditions, including poor visibility.
Heavy Downpour in Delhi Traps Students, Results in Tragic Deaths at Coaching Centre
The Delhi Police announced that several students remained unaccounted for, increasing the urgency of the rescue operations. Eyewitnesses described the chaos as the waterlogged basement became a dangerous trap for those inside.
The Delhi Fire Department confirmed the recovery of a student’s body and continued their efforts to save the remaining trapped students. The situation highlighted the vulnerabilities and dangers posed by such sudden weather events.
Delhi minister Atishi confirmed that the Mayor and local MLA were present at the scene, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. She announced that a magistrate had been ordered to investigate the incident thoroughly and promised that those responsible would face consequences. Atishi’s statements reflected the government’s commitment to addressing the incident’s causes and preventing future occurrences.
The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety regulations at coaching centers, especially those operating in basements without adequate emergency protocols. Atishi directed a magisterial inquiry to be initiated immediately, with a report expected within 24 hours.
Delhi fire officer Atul Garg detailed the rescue efforts, noting that five fire vehicles were deployed to pump out the water and recover the bodies of the trapped students. The operation continued until all trapped students were accounted for, with a total of 30 students having been in the basement at the time of the flooding.
