Deadly building collapse near Delhi university area traps students as rescue teams race in
A building near Delhi’s Satya Niketan area collapsed on Sunday afternoon, trapping several students under the rubble and leaving at least four people dead, with
A building near Delhi’s Satya Niketan area collapsed on Sunday afternoon, trapping several students under the rubble and leaving at least four people dead, with five others critically injured. Rescue crews were still digging through the debris as night approached, trying to reach those believed to be inside the five-storey structure.
The collapse hit a densely packed neighbourhood near Delhi University’s South Campus, where student hostels, paying-guest accommodation and small eateries line narrow streets. The building had been used as a PG accommodation for students. It gave way around 1.30 pm, when construction work was under way in the basement. Roughly three minutes later, the Delhi Fire Services got the first alert.
Rescue teams rush in
Teams reached the site by about 1.50 pm and began searching through the wreckage. Multiple units were deployed, including Search and Rescue, Breathing Apparatus and Water Bowser teams. The operation drew several agencies, among them the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, CATS and Civil Defence.
“Deeply concerned” by the collapse, Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta said on X that rescue work was being carried out “on a war footing.” She added that an adjacent building had been evacuated as a precaution. Fast. Very fast.
Casualties mount as probe begins
Officials said the injured were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where five were reported to be in critical condition. The Tribune reported that 10 injured people reached AIIMS, with four brought dead and one later dying. It also said a fifth-floor PG building known as “Hostel Daze” was nearly 30 years old, while locals described it as much older.
Police sources said several students were feared trapped under the debris. The Tribune cited estimates from witnesses that 15 to 20 people could still be buried, while other reports put the number as high as 30 to 40. Authorities have not confirmed those figures.
Gupta has ordered a magisterial probe, according to the chief minister’s office. Police also booked the building owner, Hariram, and others on charges of culpable homicide, the Tribune reported. One day, one building. And a search that was still not over by night.
