A tragic incident unfolded in Delhi today as a residential structure collapsed, leaving many individuals, particularly students, feared trapped within the rubble.
The disaster struck around 1:30 PM local time (08:00 GMT) in the Satya Niketan area, which is known for its proximity to Delhi University. Eyewitnesses reported that around 50 people were present in the five-storey building when it gave way.
Initial reports indicate that at least one person has lost their life, while two others are currently in critical condition. So far, six individuals have been rescued from the wreckage, according to information provided by NDTV and local police sources.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with reports from the scene indicating that some of the trapped individuals were able to make phone calls for help from beneath the debris. Responding to the situation, a member of the legislative assembly confirmed that an adjacent structure had also collapsed, prompting the evacuation of nearby buildings as a safety precaution.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated, “Every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped.” The building, known as Hostel Daze, had been undergoing construction work in its basement, which has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the building.
Concerns Over Construction Safety
Local reports suggest that the building was approximately 40 to 50 years old. A shop owner nearby revealed to ANI that the building was under a 100-year lease and that excavation work was being conducted to boost rental income. He expressed concerns that while the upper structure was reinforced, the pillars below were not adequately supported, leading to the catastrophic collapse.
The National Students’ Union of India has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and accountability for any negligence that may have contributed to the tragedy. They emphasized that the safety of students and the general public should always be a top priority.
Authorities are currently searching for the building’s owner as part of their ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
