New Delhi, Sept 7 : At least five people were killed after a five-storeyed building housing college students collapsed in southwest Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday, triggering a major rescue operation in the densely populated locality, officials said.
The incident took place in Satya Niketan, a well-known hub of paying guest (PG) accommodations located near Delhi University’s South Campus. The building was reportedly being used to accommodate college students.
Police said 11 people were rescued from the collapsed structure and shifted to different hospitals for treatment. Four victims were declared brought dead at the JPN Apex Trauma Centre at AIIMS, while another person who was critically injured later succumbed to injuries, taking the death toll to five.
Three injured people were admitted to AIIMS and were undergoing treatment, doctors said. Another victim underwent surgery for limb injuries. One person who sustained minor injuries was discharged after remaining under observation.
A 19-year-old man was also rescued and taken to Safdarjung Hospital. He was reported to be in stable condition.
Following the incident, Delhi Police initiated the process of registering a first information report (FIR) against Anand Bansal, who runs the PG accommodation known as Hostel Daze.
Local residents said the building was around 50 years old and comprised a basement along with five floors. Officials said repair work was underway in the basement when the structure collapsed.
The collapse raised concerns over the condition and safety of old buildings being used as PG accommodations in the area, particularly as the locality houses a large number of students.
Rescue teams searched through the debris to locate and evacuate people trapped inside the building. Those rescued were immediately shifted to hospitals, where medical teams attended to their injuries.
Police and other agencies are examining the circumstances that led to the collapse. The nature of the repair work being carried out in the basement, the structural condition of the building and other possible factors are expected to form part of the investigation.
The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been established. Further investigation is underway, while authorities are also assessing the building and surrounding area for any additional safety concerns.
