A five-story building collapsed in New Delhi on Sunday, killing at least one person and trapping dozens of others, according to officials. The structure, which housed a boys’ hostel, fell in the Satya Niketan neighborhood, an area known for its private student accommodations near a Delhi University campus.
Fire officer Abhilash Malik stated that approximately 30 to 40 people were still trapped in the rubble. Lawmaker Anil Sharma reported that some individuals had been rescued, while others inside the debris were communicating with rescuers via phone.
Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and teams from India's disaster response agency, are engaged in a search and rescue operation. Earthmovers are clearing debris to facilitate access for rescuers. At least two individuals were hospitalized in critical condition, officials confirmed.
The cause of the building collapse has not yet been determined. Building collapses are a recurring issue in parts of India, particularly during the monsoon season from June to September, when heavy rainfall can compromise the structural integrity of older buildings.