According to the police, the incident occurred at 7.13 pm when labourers were trying to lift the abandoned building with a mammoth jack to start construction work in Purshottam Wali Gali near a temple in Meethapur area.

Two fire engines were immediately rushed to the site. Officials of the fire brigade and disaster management authority have so far managed to rescue 17 of those trapped inside the debris. All rescued workers were rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where three people were declared dead on arrival, police said.

Among those injured, two are reported to be in a “critical” state. The deceased were identified as Rajbir, Sonu and Premnath.

“There could be more people trapped inside. Rescue operations are on in full swing,” a Delhi Fire Service official said.

The police have cordoned off the area and are ascertaining the exact cause of collapse with other agencies.