Several Feared Trapped After 6-Storey Building Collapses In Delhi

Rescuers are racing against time to find survivors under the rubble after a six-storey building collapsed in southwest Delhi's Satya Niketan this afternoon. Several are feared to be trapped, a government representative told reporters.

Six people have so far been rescued from the building while a search is underway for more survivors. Three of them have been moved 

The police gave a more conservative figure of two rescued and refused to provide a figure for those trapped. The local police, fire brigade, ambulance, and other emergency services are at the spot, Delhi Police said in a statement.

The building that served as a 75-bed paying guest accommodation collapsed around 1:30 pm, officials said. The building's owner lives in Gurugram.

Satya Niketan is located near Delhi University's South campus and has a high population of student residents.

Delhi Building Collapse: Live Updates

An eyewitness suggested at least 50 students are believed to be inside the building during the collapse. Most were at 'home' since it's a Sunday, she added. A student present at the spot told news agency ANI that he heard cries for help from under the rubble. Another eyewitness described the collapsed building as a PG for men, named 'Hostel Daze'.

Initial visuals showed a large crowd gathered where the building stood, with fire brigade personnel looking for survivors in the debris. Locals dug through the debris with their hands without waiting for rescuers and machinery to arrive.

In one video shared online, a person was seen wedged under a concrete slab as several others struggled to lift it.

At least 12 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot. An excavator has already been deployed for the rescue work, while more machinery is being brought to remove the slabs and girders. Disaster response teams have also been deployed to help the fire teams working at the site. Riot-control teams have also been summoned to manage the crowd.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said she was deeply concerned by the building collapse and that rescue work is being carried out on a war footing.

"The adjacent building has been vacated as a precautionary measure. Every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped and provide immediate assistance to the affected families. The situation is being closely monitored, and all concerned agencies are working in coordination. The safety and well-being of every citizen remain our highest priority," she said.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said the government has directed agencies to ensure swift rescue efforts.

"Deeply concerned to learn of the building collapse at Satya Niketan, RK Puram. Have directed all concerned agencies, including Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service and DDMA, to work in complete coordination to ensure swift rescue efforts on the ground. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone affected. The situation is being closely monitored, and it will be ensured that every possible support reaches those in need," he wrote on X.

Local BJP MLA Anil Sharma, who is present at the spot, confirmed the first two rescues from the collapse site.

"Some students are even making calls from within. It appears there are still others trapped inside. Rescue efforts are ongoing. We are praying to God. The chief minister has dispatched a full team here," he told reporters.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has blamed corruption for the incident.

"Another building collapse in Satya Niketan; it was a PG accommodation for South Campus college students for DU. Around 30-40 students are feared to be under the debris. The rate of Executive Engineer transfers in the Building Dept of MCD is 1.25 crore. So this won't stop. It's the same story as the Saket building collapse. In the name of audits, crores will again be looted from businesses, gyms, hotels, and hospitals. Nothing will change," he added.