The death toll from Sunday's collapse of a five-storey residential building in south-west Delhi has risen to at least three, with three others in critical condition, as rescue workers continue to search for dozens of students still feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The building, known as Hostel Daze in the Satya Niketan neighbourhood, came down around 13:30 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday, with eyewitnesses telling local media that as many as 50 people were inside at the time. At least eight people have been rescued so far, according to reports citing local police.
Construction work had been under way in the basement of the building, which sits a short distance from the Delhi University campus. Many students were in their rooms as there were no lessons on Sunday. A legislative assembly member at the scene said some trapped students had been making calls from under the rubble.
Delhi Police said the building was only 40 or 50 years old. The owner of a nearby shop told news agency ANI that the building was under a 100-year lease, and that the leaseholder had undertaken excavation work in the basement to expand the hostel and increase their income. "They strengthened the upper building, but the pillars below were weak," the shop owner said, adding that construction workers were also buried.
An adjacent building was evacuated as a precautionary measure, according to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who said "Every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped."
The National Students' Union of India has called on the government to investigate the cause of the collapse and hold anyone found responsible to account. "Negligence with the safety of students and common people will not be tolerated at any cost," it said.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The collapse of a residential building housing students highlights ongoing safety concerns in Delhi's unregulated housing market, particularly in areas popular with university students.
- With dozens still feared trapped, the death toll could rise significantly as rescue operations continue.
- The incident raises questions about building standards and the enforcement of construction regulations in the Indian capital.
Background
Building collapses are not uncommon in India, where rapid urbanisation often outpaces regulatory oversight. Structures in older neighbourhoods are sometimes modified without proper engineering approvals, as authorities allege occurred here with basement excavation. The Satya Niketan area is known for student housing due to its proximity to Delhi University.
Key Perspectives
Victims and families: Trapped students and their families face agonising waits as rescue teams work through unstable rubble; several reported making phone calls from beneath debris.
Delhi government and police: Officials have promised a full rescue effort and have evacuated a neighbouring building as a precaution, but have not yet commented on accountability.
National Students' Union of India: Demands a government investigation and prosecution of those responsible, framing the incident as potential negligence.
Local shop owner and witnesses: Suggest unauthorised basement excavation weakened the structure, pointing to the leaseholder's actions as a possible cause.
What to Watch
- The final death toll as rescue operations conclude over the coming hours.
- Whether Delhi authorities order a wider safety inspection of student housing in the area.
- Any announcement of arrests or formal investigation by local police or the government.