One person has died and three others are in critical condition after a five-storey building collapsed near Satya Niketan in Delhi’s RK Puram area on Sunday afternoon. Six people have been rescued so far, while a major multi-agency rescue operation remains underway amid fears that more people may still be trapped under the debris.
The Delhi Fire Services received information about the incident at around 1:30 pm. Soon after the alert, several emergency agencies were mobilised at the site near Nanakpura Gurdwara in south-west Delhi.
The exact number of people trapped inside the collapsed structure has not been officially confirmed. However, local residents and eyewitnesses claimed that several students could have been inside the building at the time of the collapse.
Five-Storey PG Building Collapses
The collapsed structure was reportedly being used as a boys’ paying guest accommodation named ‘Hostel Daze’. The building was located in an area near Satya Niketan that has a large student population because of its proximity to colleges, coaching centres and university campuses.
According to local residents, the building collapsed suddenly, creating panic in the neighbourhood. A loud rumbling sound was heard moments before the structure came down, followed by thick clouds of dust that spread across the surrounding area.
Eyewitnesses said people rushed out of nearby buildings after hearing the crash. Some residents claimed that between 25 and 30 students could be trapped, although officials have not confirmed the figure. Rescue teams are continuing their search operation to determine how many people were inside the structure when it collapsed.
Major Rescue Operation Underway
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said teams from multiple government agencies have been deployed and are carrying out rescue operations on a war footing.
The rescue operation includes personnel from the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Centralised Accident and Trauma Services and Civil Defence.
Emergency workers are using specialised cutting and lifting equipment to remove heavy concrete slabs, metal rods and other debris. The rescue operation is being conducted cautiously because of the possibility that survivors may be trapped in small air pockets beneath the rubble.
Those rescued have been shifted to hospital for treatment. Police sources said one person has died, while three others are in critical condition.
Nearby Building Evacuated
As a safety measure, authorities evacuated a nearby building to prevent further casualties. The collapse has raised concerns about the stability of surrounding structures, particularly in the densely populated student accommodation area.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the situation was being closely monitored and that every possible effort was being made to rescue people safely and provide immediate assistance to affected families.
“The situation is being closely monitored, and all concerned agencies are working together. The safety and well-being of every citizen remains our top priority,” she said.
Officials have appealed to residents and onlookers to stay away from the area so that rescue teams can work without obstruction.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos
A shopkeeper located near the collapse site said the sound of the building coming down was similar to an earthquake. He said people ran out of nearby shops and houses as dust and debris filled the air.
The eyewitness claimed that trapped people could be heard shouting for help from under the rubble. According to him, rescue personnel managed to pull out several people alive during the initial phase of the operation.
Residents said they heard cries of “Save us, save us” from beneath the debris, increasing concerns that more occupants may still be trapped.
Cause of Collapse Under Investigation
The reason behind the collapse has not yet been officially established. Investigators are expected to examine the structural condition of the building, any construction or renovation work taking place nearby, possible basement excavation and compliance with safety regulations.
Authorities are likely to conduct a detailed technical inspection once rescue teams complete the operation. The priority at present remains saving lives, evacuating nearby structures where necessary and ensuring medical support for the injured.
