Six Killed in Delhi Building Collapse as Rescuers Dig Through Rubble
At least six people have been killed after a five-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, while rescue teams continued searching the debris on Monday for anyone still trapped. The building was being used as student accommodation near Delhi University’s South Campus.
Police, firefighters and disaster-response personnel worked through a second day at the site. Earthmovers were used to clear the heavy concrete debris, while sniffer dogs helped teams search for survivors in areas where people could still be trapped.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said rescuers had pulled at least 12 people from the wreckage. She said around 80% of the debris had been cleared, with teams continuing to work through the remaining rubble, including the basement area. Six others were reported injured.
The collapsed structure was reportedly around five decades old and had undergone renovation work before reopening to students. Local accounts indicated that digging or construction activity was taking place in the basement when the building came down. Officials are investigating whether the basement work, water accumulation and the age of the structure contributed to the collapse.
The tragedy has raised fresh questions about the safety of privately operated student accommodation in Delhi. Satya Niketan is a densely populated area with numerous paying-guest facilities catering to students attending nearby universities and colleges.
Authorities have begun moving toward wider enforcement action. Delhi Police have registered a case against the building owner, while officials have identified other structures in the area suspected of violating construction rules. Buildings with unauthorised additional floors are facing scrutiny and possible sealing.
Gupta has also indicated that the government plans to introduce stronger structural-safety requirements, including periodic structural audits and safety certificates for buildings used for public activities such as student accommodation, schools and nursing homes.
The collapse occurred during India’s monsoon season, when prolonged rainfall can increase risks for older or poorly maintained structures. The incident has therefore renewed concerns over building inspections, unauthorised construction and enforcement of safety regulations in densely populated urban neighbourhoods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those killed and said authorities were providing assistance and medical care to those affected. The immediate priority, however, remains the rescue operation as teams continue searching the rubble for possible survivors.
