A multi-storey boys’ paying guest (PG) accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured. Around 40–50 people are feared to have been trapped under the debris, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
The building, located in South-West Delhi near Satya Niketan Market, collapsed at around 1:30 pm. According to Delhi Police, a PCR call was received at the South Campus police station at 1:34 pm reporting the incident.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), CATS and Civil Defence were immediately deployed. Rescue personnel have been working through the rubble in an effort to locate and evacuate those still trapped.
Officials said several people have already been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals. At least two injured people were reported to be in critical condition, while earlier reports said three injured people were being treated at AIIMS.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reached the site and reviewed the rescue operation. She said all concerned agencies were working together and that every possible effort was being made to safely rescue those trapped. The adjacent building was also evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed distress over the incident and spoke with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Police Commissioner and the NDRF Director General to assess the situation. He also cancelled a scheduled event in Goa following news of the collapse.
Delhi Police said the building was around 40–50 years old and consisted of a basement and five upper floors. It was being used as a PG accommodation for students. Repair work was reportedly underway in the basement when the collapse occurred.
Local residents said construction work had been taking place at the building for the past 10–12 days. A former resident, 19-year-old Nitin Jamwal, claimed that the building had been in poor condition, with cracks in the walls and water accumulating in the basement.
Witnesses described hearing a loud sound similar to an earthquake moments before the building came down. Some locals said they could still hear people trapped inside calling for help.
Delhi Police are reportedly registering an FIR in connection with the incident. A government committee has also been formed to investigate the collapse, and authorities have indicated that strict action will be taken if anyone is found responsible.
Rescue operations remain underway as authorities continue searching the debris for survivors.
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