What was meant to be a peaceful day out near one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks turned into a tragedy when part of the Dargah Sharif Patte Shah complex, located beside Humayun’s Tomb, suddenly collapsed. The incident, which occurred amid heavy rainfall, claimed the lives of six people while several others sustained injuries. Swift rescue operations helped save ten to twelve people who were trapped under the debris, but the community remains in shock as questions over the cause and accountability mount.
According to Delhi Fire Services, the distress call came in around 4:30 in the evening. Within minutes, multiple agencies including fire brigades, police units, and the National Disaster Response Force arrived at the scene. Volunteers and locals also joined the effort, pulling survivors from the rubble. Those rescued were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities confirmed six deaths by the end of the day.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment when the roof caved in. Many visitors had sought shelter from the rain when the structure gave way, leaving little time to react. Survivors recalled the chaos of dust and debris, and the desperate struggle to free those trapped. For many, it was a day that began with prayers and quiet reflection but ended in devastation.
Officials have clarified that Humayun’s Tomb itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered no damage in the incident. The Archaeological Survey of India stated that the collapse occurred in an adjoining, unprotected section that was not part of the monument’s preserved complex. Nevertheless, the event underscores the pressing need for regular inspections and maintenance of peripheral religious and community structures near heritage landmarks, especially those vulnerable to weather and wear.
As investigations continue into whether the collapse was triggered by poor upkeep or unauthorised use, authorities are also reviewing safety protocols for heritage sites across the city. The tragedy is a grim reminder that cultural and spiritual spaces, no matter how revered, require ongoing attention to ensure the safety of the people who gather there.
For the families who lost loved ones, the grief is immeasurable. For Delhi, it is another moment of reckoning with how fragile life and history can be when structural integrity is overlooked.
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