Five-Story PG Building Collapses in Satya Niketan, Delhi; One Dead

Building Collapse in Satya Niketan

A five-story Paying Guest (PG) building collapsed in the Satya Niketan area of South-West Delhi on Sunday afternoon around 1:30 PM. Sadly, one person has been confirmed dead, and three others sustained serious injuries in this unfortunate incident.

The collapsed building, known as 'Hostel Days', was being used as a PG facility for Delhi University students. The collapse caused panic in the area, and a large-scale rescue operation was launched amid fears of several people trapped under the debris.

Rescue Operations Underway

Delhi Police received the report of the building collapse at approximately 1:34 PM. Immediately following the report, police, the fire department, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other rescue teams arrived at the scene.

Rescue teams are facing challenges in accessing and safely clearing the debris due to the narrow lanes of the incident site and the proximity of adjoining buildings. Eyewitnesses reported a loud noise at the time of the collapse, with the entire area being covered in a cloud of dust. Some eyewitnesses also claimed to have heard cries for help from beneath the rubble.

NDRF Engaged in Extensive Rescue Efforts

Given the possibility of survivors trapped, specialized NDRF teams have been deployed to the rescue operation. With the help of trained personnel and a dog squad, the debris is being removed with extreme caution to ensure the safe extraction of any individuals trapped inside.

Meanwhile, those rescued from the accident have been transported to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment, where they are receiving care for their critical conditions. Preliminary information suggests that construction work was ongoing in the building's basement.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

Some reports cite the building's approximate age of 20 years and the ongoing basement construction as potential contributing factors to the collapse. However, the exact cause will only be determined after a thorough investigation. The Delhi government has formed a committee to investigate the incident and submit a detailed report.

This area around Satya Niketan and Delhi University's South Campus is a major residential hub for students, with numerous PGs and hostels operating. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of other student-occupied buildings in the vicinity.

While the accident occurred amidst continuous rainfall in Delhi, officials are hesitant to directly attribute the collapse to the weather, although it has brought safety standards of older and under-construction buildings into question. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, upon learning of the incident, canceled his planned trip to Goa and is closely monitoring the situation, directing officials to provide all possible assistance.

The immediate priority for the local administration is the swift and safe rescue of individuals trapped in the debris. A clearer picture of the detailed causes and measures to prevent future incidents will emerge only after the completion of the rescue operation and the submission of the investigation report.