Delhi PG Building Collapse: 6 Dead, Rescue Continues

At least six people have died and 12 others have been rescued after a five-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area near Delhi University’s South Campus, triggering an overnight rescue operation. Five injured people were reported to be in serious condition and were taken to AIIMS for treatment, while rescue teams continued searching the debris for people who may still be trapped.

The building collapsed at around 1:30 pm on Sunday in the densely populated student locality. Fire personnel, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other rescue teams were deployed at the site. Sniffer dogs and search cameras were being used to locate survivors, particularly in the basement area, where access remained difficult because of the unstable debris and the risk of further structural failure.

According to information available from officials and local residents, the building was around 40 years old. Local residents alleged that demolition or construction-related work had been underway in the basement for about a week before the collapse. They also claimed that the basement was already weak and had accumulated water. A pillar is suspected to have shifted during the work, after which the structure came down. These circumstances are part of the broader inquiry and the exact cause of the collapse is yet to be established.

Rescue teams face difficult conditions

The rescue operation continued through the night as teams carefully removed concrete slabs and other debris. Officials said the narrow surroundings and unstable structure were making the operation challenging. Search cameras were being inserted into the debris to check inaccessible sections, while heavy machinery was being used cautiously to clear larger portions.

The possibility of people remaining trapped in the basement has kept the rescue operation active. Officials have stressed the need for caution because movement of the debris could affect the stability of the remaining structures.

AIIMS said 11 patients had been brought to the JPN Apex Trauma Centre following the incident. Five were brought dead, while another seriously injured patient subsequently died during treatment. Three patients were admitted for treatment, including one who underwent surgery for a leg injury. Another patient with minor injuries was discharged after observation.

Nearby building evacuated after cracks appear

A neighbouring building was also evacuated after cracks were noticed in the structure. Rescue personnel expressed concern that it could become unstable while debris from the collapsed building is being removed. Support pillars and other measures were being put in place to reduce the risk.

The incident has also prompted authorities to inspect nearby buildings. An MCD order dated September 6 reportedly directed action against dilapidated and dangerous structures in the Satya Niketan area. Property owners were asked to take steps to demolish unsafe structures, failing which the civic body could undertake the work and recover the expenses.

Police case and administrative inquiry

Police have registered an FIR in connection with the collapse, including provisions related to culpable homicide and negligence. The building owner has been identified in the reports as Anand Bansal, who is based in Gurugram.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Mayor Pravesh Wahi also said strict action would be taken against those found responsible for negligence or violations. He said authorities would act against buildings constructed without approved plans and indicated that structural safety and construction practices would be examined.

The collapse has also triggered political reactions. Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) reportedly protested outside the Municipal Corporation of Delhi office, demanding accountability. NSUI president Vinod Jakhar also criticised the authorities and called for stronger safety measures for students living in private paying-guest accommodations.

Student hub raises safety concerns

Satya Niketan is a major student residential area close to Delhi University’s South Campus. The locality has numerous paying-guest accommodations and hostels and sees heavy movement of students throughout the day. Colleges including Sri Venkateswara College, Aryabhatta College, Motilal Nehru College and Maitreyi College are located in and around the area.

The incident has therefore raised wider questions over the structural safety of old residential buildings being used as student accommodation. While the municipal record reportedly did not classify the collapsed building as dangerous before the incident, the allegations concerning work in the basement are likely to form an important part of the investigation.

Delhi has recorded repeated building-collapse incidents

The Satya Niketan collapse has also renewed attention on building safety in the national capital. According to data cited in the supplied report, Delhi recorded 1,133 building-collapse incidents between 2022 and 2025, in which 98 people lost their lives.

For now, rescue teams remain focused on clearing the remaining debris and determining whether anyone is still trapped. Authorities are also assessing the stability of nearby structures and examining the circumstances that preceded the collapse. The final responsibility for the incident will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.