A five-storey building used for student accommodation collapsed in Satya Niketan, southwest Delhi, on Sunday afternoon, resulting in at least two fatalities. The structure, which was reportedly built 40 to 50 years ago, houses paying guests and features a basement along with five upper levels. Several individuals, primarily students, are believed to be trapped beneath the debris as a multi-agency search and rescue operation is currently in progress.

According to the Delhi Police, repair work was ongoing in the basement at the time of the collapse. Authorities have rescued nine individuals, with three of them being admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for medical attention. The exact number of individuals still trapped remains uncertain, but witness estimates suggest that anywhere between 40 and 50 people could be caught under the rubble.

The building, known as “Hostel Daze,” contained around ten rooms and included a medicine shop on the ground floor. The collapse occurred near the South Campus of Delhi University and the Nanakpura Gurdwara. Emergency responders received alerts about the incident at 1.33 pm, shortly followed by a call to the South Campus police station.

Rescue Operations in Full Swing

A multi-agency rescue operation has been initiated, involving teams from various organisations such as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Disaster Management Authority, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, and Civil Defence. At least twelve fire tenders have been deployed, and oxygen cylinders have been brought to the scene to assist any individuals who may be trapped and require breathing support.

Local residents quickly participated in the rescue efforts, using their hands and available tools to clear debris and search for survivors. Law enforcement and paramilitary personnel have been stationed to regulate the crowd and ensure that narrow lanes remain accessible for ambulances and rescue operations. Authorities have urged onlookers to keep a safe distance, as their presence is complicating the ongoing efforts.

Student organisations, including the NSUI and AISA, have also arrived to support rescue activities. Their involvement reflects the communal spirit amongst students in the area, highlighting a collective response to a local crisis.

Legal and Safety Concerns

In the aftermath of the collapse, an FIR has been filed against the building’s owner, Anand Bansal, who is reportedly a resident of Gurugram. This has drawn attention to the building’s structural integrity and raises questions about safety regulations within the student accommodation sector in Satya Niketan.

This incident has prompted a broader discussion concerning the condition of buildings in the vicinity of Delhi University’s South Campus, which features numerous properties utilised as student accommodations, hostels, and commercial establishments. Concerns about safety standards and maintenance in these buildings are likely to be scrutinised further in the coming days.

As rescue teams continue their efforts, the authorities remain focused on locating any individuals who may still be trapped under the collapsed building. The situation is evolving, and updates from local departments are expected as the search and rescue operation progresses.

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