New Delhi: A tragic incident unfolded in South-West Delhi on Sunday afternoon when a multi-storey paying guest (PG) building collapsed in the Satya Niketan area, leaving several students trapped under the debris. At least three people have reportedly died, while rescue teams have safely pulled out around nine individuals who were immediately rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for medical attention.
The catastrophic collapse occurred around 1:30 PM. According to local authorities, the 40-to-50-year-old building primarily housed students on its upper floors, while repair work was allegedly being carried out in the basement. Preliminary findings suggest that the ongoing basement construction compromised the building’s foundation, causing the entire structure to cave in suddenly without warning.
A massive search and rescue operation is currently underway. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) are working on a war footing to locate survivors. Advanced life detectors and canine squads have been deployed to detect movement, and oxygen support is being provided to those still trapped beneath the rubble.
Eyewitnesses recounted a horrifying scene, describing a deafening crash followed by a thick cloud of dust and smoke. “For a moment, nothing was visible. Then we started hearing desperate cries for help from under the concrete,” a local resident stated.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the collapse site and the hospital to oversee the relief efforts. Taking to the social media platform X, she stated, “Deeply concerned by the building collapse incident at Satya Niketan. Teams from DDMA, NDRF, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, MCD, CATS, and Civil Defence are carrying out rescue operations on a war footing.” She further added that adjacent buildings have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his profound grief over the tragedy. Extending his condolences to the bereaved families, he assured that officials on the ground are providing all possible assistance to the affected individuals.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances leading to the collapse and to establish accountability for the negligence that resulted in the loss of lives.