Rescue operations are ongoing after a five-story hostel building collapsed in Delhi, with dozens of people feared trapped. The incident occurred in a part of the city where another adjacent building also reportedly collapsed, prompting authorities to evacuate the second structure as a precautionary measure.
Officials have stated that efforts are being made to safely rescue those caught in the debris. Eyewitnesses reported that some of the trapped individuals, believed to be students, had managed to make calls from beneath the rubble. Many students were thought to be in their rooms at the time of the collapse, as no lessons were scheduled for Sunday.
Preliminary information from a local shop owner suggests that excavation work carried out in the building's basement to increase income may have weakened its structural integrity. The shop owner told the news agency ANI that the building, which was on a 100-year lease, had its upper floors strengthened, but the basement pillars were compromised. Construction workers are also believed to be among the casualties.
The National Students' Union of India has called for an investigation into the collapse and demanded accountability for those found responsible, stating that negligence regarding the safety of students and the public would not be tolerated. Delhi Police are reportedly searching for the owner of the building, which was reportedly between 40 and 50 years old.