“A 55-year-old labourer was killed and two others were injured after a boundary wall and an adjoining storage room collapsed during rainwater drain and sewage line construction work at Lodhi Crematorium in Delhi’s Lodhi Colony area early on Friday (June 5, 2026),” police said.

“The incident took place at 1.08 a.m. when excavation and pipe-laying work was being carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) using a JCB and a Hydra machine,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari said.

According to police, the excavation triggered the collapse of a boundary wall and an adjacent storage structure, trapping three labourers under the debris. A call regarding the incident was received at 1.18 a.m., following which personnel from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), local police and ambulance services rushed to the spot. Two workers were pulled out during the initial rescue efforts, while the third was later extricated from the rubble. All three were rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre.

“The deceased was identified as Devendra, who was rescued unconscious and declared brought dead at the hospital,” police said. “The injured were identified as Rajesh (48), who sustained injuries to his face and lips and is reported to be stable, and Umar (20), who underwent diagnostic scans and is stated to be out of danger,” they said.

“The rescue operation has been completed and the site secured,” officials said. Police have initiated an inquiry to ascertain responsibility for the incident and necessary legal action is being taken in accordance with law.