Temporary structure at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapses, over 8 people injured

Over eight people were injured after a temporary structure installed near Gate number 2 of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapses.

A temporary structure at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapsed on Saturday, leaving at least eight people injured. Two others have been rescued safely so far, Delhi Police said. The incident took place near Gate Number 2 of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Stadium, where some work was underway, news agency ANI reported.

A fire call has been received about the collapse of a temporary structure in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium New Delhi on Saturday.(HT Photo)

A Delhi Fire Services official said a call was received about the pandal (temporary structure) collapsing at the stadium. Initially, two people were rescued from under the debris. Later, nine more people were brought out, news agency PTI reported.

A police officer said most of the injured are workers.

"The pandal was being erected for a wedding function near Gate No 2. The injured have been taken to AIIMS trauma centre for treatment," the officer said, and added no casualties have been reported so far.

Personnel from the police and the fire department, and ambulances are on the spot, the officer added.

Speaking to the media, DCP south Ankit Chauhan said a call was received about the collapse of a pandal/tent and the possibility of a few labourers trapped under it, news agency ANI reported.

"After arriving on the spot, it was found that 25-30 labourers were trapped under the fallen structure. The pandal was erected for a wedding function," ANI quoted Ankit Chauhan as saying.

The DCP added that the pandal was being erected for a wedding near Gate No. 2 of the stadium when it collapsed, trapping labourers working there under it.

"Locals and sportspeople present at the spot came to help and rescue people. It was a 30x60 sq ft pandal set up, and the booking was done under the name of one Rajesh," Ankit Chauhan said.

"Around 25-30 people were rescued and shifted to AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital. A search and rescue operation is underway," he said.

"We are further looking into the incident," he added.

Meanwhile, a team of NDRF personnel arrived at the site of the pandal collapse at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and started the rescue operation.

Asif Ansari, medical technician-emergency services of Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, told ANI, "10-12 people who have suffered injuries have been shifted to hospitals. The rescue operation is underway."

A man working as a security guard on Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium premises said the incident took place when the labourers were on lunch. "There has not been a heavy impact," he claimed.