The death toll from the Satya Niketan building collapse in southwest Delhi has risen to six, while rescue teams have managed to pull 11 people out of the rubble, officials said on Monday.
The multi-storey structure, estimated to be around five decades old, came down in the Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon. The building was being used as a paying guest accommodation for boys and is located near Delhi University’s South Campus.
The collapse occurred at approximately 1:30 pm while repair work was reportedly in progress at the premises. The sudden failure of the structure left several people trapped beneath the debris, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Rescue personnel from multiple agencies worked through the night to search the collapsed structure and locate survivors. Teams from the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service, National Disaster Response Force and Delhi Disaster Management Authority were involved in the operation.
Officials said one person was located and brought out during the overnight rescue effort but was found to have already died. This took the number of fatalities in the incident to six.
The rescue operation has involved extensive debris removal as emergency personnel continue checking the site for anyone who may still be trapped. Authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding the collapse, particularly the repair work that was reportedly being carried out before the incident.
Police have registered a case against the owner of the building and other individuals in connection with the collapse. A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered to investigate the incident and determine whether any violations or negligence contributed to the tragedy.
The collapse has raised fresh concerns over the safety of ageing buildings being used for accommodation in densely populated parts of Delhi. The investigation is expected to examine the building’s structural condition, the nature of the repair work and whether required safety and construction regulations were followed.
Further details are awaited as authorities continue their investigation and complete the rescue and recovery operation.
