A multi-storey building housing a student paying guest (PG) accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon, triggering a major rescue operation. At least one person was killed and several others were feared trapped under the debris.
According to preliminary information, at least two people sustained critical injuries in the incident. Six people were rescued from the collapsed structure and shifted to hospital for medical treatment. Three of those rescued were being treated at the AIIMS Trauma Centre and were reported to be in critical condition.
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The incident occurred in Satya Niketan, an area located near Delhi University’s South Campus and known for its concentration of student accommodations, hostels, eateries and other establishments.
Rescue teams continued efforts at the site as authorities searched through the rubble for people who may still be trapped inside the building. Emergency personnel were reportedly attempting to establish contact with some of those trapped, raising hopes that more survivors could be rescued.
Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president Aryan Maan said an estimated 15 to 20 students could have been involved in the incident. He also said rescuers were in contact with some people believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
The collapse prompted a large-scale emergency response, with rescue personnel working to clear the rubble and reach areas where people could potentially be trapped. The condition of those rescued remained a major concern as the operation continued.
Police have also initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. The owner of the building, Anand Bansal, a resident of Gurugram, has been booked by Delhi Police in connection with the incident.
The collapse has once again raised questions about the safety of buildings being used as PG accommodations in densely populated parts of the national capital. Satya Niketan, in particular, has numerous properties catering to students and young professionals, with several buildings operating as PGs, hostels and commercial establishments.
Authorities are expected to examine the structural condition of the building and determine what led to its collapse. The investigation will also look into whether the property had the necessary permissions and complied with applicable safety and construction regulations.
As rescue operations continued, officials focused on locating those still believed to be under the rubble and providing immediate medical assistance to the injured. Further details about the identities and number of people trapped were awaited.
The incident comes as a serious reminder of the risks posed by unsafe or inadequately maintained structures, particularly in areas where buildings accommodate large numbers of students and residents. The final number of casualties and the exact circumstances behind the collapse are expected to become clearer as rescue and investigation efforts progress.
