In brief
A residential building in Satya Niketan, Delhi collapsed early Sunday, trapping dozens of students and killing at least one person. Rescue crews are working to free survivors while medical teams treat the injured. Officials report that basement construction work may have weakened the structure, sparking calls for an investigation. The Delhi government has activated emergency plans, and the National Students' Union is demanding accountability.
A five‑storey residential building in the Satya Niketan neighbourhood of south‑west Delhi collapsed around 13:30 local time, trapping dozens of students inside. Eyewitnesses reported as many as 50 people were inside the building when it came down.
At least one person was killed and two others are in critical condition, according to NDTV. Six people have been rescued so far.
Construction work was underway in the basement of the building, which is close to the Delhi University campus. Police say the building was only 40 to 50 years old.
Students were in their rooms at the time of the collapse, as there were no lessons on Sunday. A legislative assembly member noted that some trapped students were making calls from under the rubble.
Local media also reported that another nearby building collapsed. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said an adjacent building was evacuated as a precaution. "Every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped," she added.
Owners of a nearby shop who were under a 100‑year lease said the basement excavation was aimed at increasing income. "They strengthened the upper building, but the pillars below were weak," the shop owner said, noting that construction workers were also buried.
The National Students' Union of India called on the government to investigate the collapse and hold those responsible accountable, stating that negligence towards students' safety would not be tolerated.
Police are searching for the building’s owner while rescue operations continue. Images of the rubble and rescue teams are being circulated by local media.
