New Delhi, September 7 (TNA) The death toll in the Satya Niketan building collapse rose to six on Monday as rescue teams pulled 11 people from the debris of the five-storey structure that caved in on Sunday afternoon, Delhi Police said in its latest update.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel said one more person was rescued during overnight operations but was brought dead to hospital, taking the fatalities to six. Ten of the rescued were initially taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, with several reported to be in critical condition; AIIMS later confirmed receiving 11 patients, of whom five were brought dead, and one succumbed to injuries after admission.
The nearly 50-year-old building, which housed a boys’ paying guest (PG) accommodation and student hostel, collapsed around 1:30 pm on Sunday while repair work was reportedly underway in the basement. CCTV footage has since surfaced showing the moment the five-storey structure collapsed in the congested lane near Delhi University’s South Campus.
Rescue agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and Delhi Disaster Management Authority, worked through the night to clear heavy rubble and search for survivors. An adjacent building has been vacated as a precaution over fears it could also become unsafe.
Police have registered a case against the PG owner and others, with a magisterial inquiry ordered into the circumstances of the collapse, including alleged illegal construction and maintenance lapses. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the AIIMS Trauma Centre to review the treatment of the injured and assured that the guilty would not be spared.
While officials have confirmed six deaths and 11 rescues, local residents and student groups have expressed concern that more people, including students, could still be trapped under the debris. Rescue operations were continuing as of Monday morning.