A five-storey residential building collapsed in the densely populated Satya Niketan area of South Delhi on Sunday afternoon, resulting in at least one death, two critical injuries, and fears that several individuals remain trapped under the debris. The incident occurred around 1:30 PM, prompting an immediate and large-scale rescue operation involving multiple emergency services.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the building, identified as ‘Hostel Daze,’ was approximately 20 years old. Local residents reported that construction work was underway in the basement, which may have contributed to the structural failure. The area, known for its student accommodation and eateries near Delhi University’s South Campus, has narrow lanes that presented challenges for the swift arrival of rescue vehicles.
Emergency responders, including personnel from the fire brigade, CAT Ambulance, police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were quickly dispatched to the scene. The NDRF team commenced search and rescue operations to locate and extricate any individuals trapped within the collapsed structure. Initial reports from AIIMS indicated that out of four patients received, one was brought dead, two were in critical condition, and one rescuer had been discharged.
A police statement confirmed that a PCR call was received at the South Campus police station at 1:34 PM regarding the building’s collapse. Authorities stated that the precise number of persons trapped or injured was not immediately known, but several individuals had been rescued. The building’s owner has been identified, and teams have been formed to locate him. Witnesses at the site estimated that over 20 people could be trapped, though this figure remains unconfirmed by official sources.
Locals and eyewitnesses described participating in initial rescue efforts, using their hands and available tools to clear debris in a desperate search for survivors. One eyewitness noted that the incident could have been more catastrophic if it had occurred on a weekday, as many students from nearby areas were away for the weekend. Rajen Chhetri, a local resident working with the Delhi Police, reported that the building contained around 15 rooms, typically accommodating two to three students each, many of whom hailed from states like Kerala, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and studied at nearby colleges.
Residents in the area for over two decades mentioned that construction activities in the basement, where water had begun to accumulate, coupled with a potentially weak foundation, might have led to the collapse. Priyanka, another local resident, highlighted that many buildings in Satya Niketan, often over 20 years old, are converted into paying guest (PG) accommodations without adequate maintenance. She observed that house owners often collect rent online and are not present in the locality, leading to a lack of oversight on structural integrity.
The collapse occurred in the wake of incessant rainfall in Delhi since Friday, which may have exacerbated existing structural weaknesses. Police have been advising onlookers and bystanders to maintain a safe distance from the collapse site to avoid hindering rescue operations. Both police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to ensure clear passage for ambulances and emergency vehicles.
BJP MLA Anil Sharma, who visited the site, confirmed that people were still trapped and that calls were being received from those caught inside the debris. Rescue teams are reportedly maintaining contact with trapped individuals as efforts to reach them continue.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
