At least three people have died and dozens are feared trapped after a building collapsed in New Delhi, India. The structure, known as Hostel Daze and located in the Satya Niketan area near Delhi University, came down shortly after midday on Sunday. Approximately 50 people were believed to be inside at the time.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with rescuers sifting through large piles of bricks and debris in search of survivors. Images from the scene showed one young man being pulled from the rubble and another person trapped beneath a metal slab. Nine individuals were rescued, five of whom were transported to the hospital in critical condition.
The exact number of individuals still trapped remains unknown, with reports indicating some made desperate calls for help following the collapse. Construction work was reportedly ongoing in the building's basement prior to the incident. The building itself was estimated to be 40 to 50 years old.
Witnesses suggested that another nearby building also collapsed on Sunday, though this has not been officially confirmed. As a precautionary measure, a building adjacent to the collapsed structure was evacuated.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that "Every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as "distressing" and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
Satya Niketan is an area known for privately-owned accommodations housing hundreds of university students. Building collapses, often involving illegal structures, are a recurring issue in India's major cities, particularly in accommodations for students and migrant workers. Last year, a residential building collapse in the capital's northeastern district resulted in at least 11 fatalities.
Reports from a local shop owner indicated the building was under a 100-year lease, and the leaseholder had undertaken excavation work in the basement to increase rental income. This work may have compromised the building's structural integrity, as the "pillars below were weak" despite strengthening of the upper floors.
The National Students' Union of India condemned the incident, stating that "Negligence with the safety of students and common people will not be tolerated at any cost."