A major incident has emerged from the nation's capital, Delhi. The basement of the Rao IAS Coaching Center in Old Rajendra Nagar filled with water, creating a life-threatening situation for the students studying there. Tragically, two female students drowned in the flooded basement, and their bodies have been recovered. Another student is still missing.
What did Education Minister Atishi say?
Delhi's Education Minister Atishi stated that the fire services and NDRF are on site. The Delhi Mayor and local MLA are also present. I am closely monitoring the situation. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered. Those responsible will not be spared.
How did the basement flood?
The question arises: how did the coaching center flood so quickly, endangering the students? Eyewitnesses have shared some startling accounts. According to a student witness, approximately 30-35 students were present in the basement library. At around 7 PM, when the library closed and we stepped outside, a strong surge of water was gushing in. By the time we could evacuate the library, the water reached knee-level.
Flooding reached the ceiling in just 2-3 minutes
The flow was so intense that we couldn’t ascend the stairs. Within 2-3 minutes, the entire basement was submerged under 10-12 feet of water. Ropes were thrown to help us escape, but the water was so murky that visibility was zero. Children were being rescued one by one. A student mentioned that two girls were behind him but couldn't make it out.
Water pressure was immense
The pressure from the gate was enormous, and we tried to escape, but the force was too strong to climb the stairs. In just 2-3 minutes, the basement, with a ceiling height of 12 feet, was completely full of water, almost like a flash flood. Ropes were thrown to rescue us, but we couldn’t see them in the dirty water.
The incident occurred at 7 PM
An eyewitness said the incident happened at around 7 PM. There have been previous instances of water logging here. About a week ago, water had filled the area, and we were prohibited from going downstairs. Due to heavy water logging, our classes are often canceled, and we face a delay of 2-2.5 hours. The last time we were in class at approximately 10 AM, we were not allowed to go to the basement, and several students’ cars were floating.
Mayor Shelly Oberoi: Sewer burst caused flood-like situation
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi stated that the flood-like situation in the basement was due to the bursting of a sewer or drain. She said that if any fault is found with an MCD official, strict action will be taken.
