NEW DELHI: Three people were killed among nine rescued after a five-storey boys’ paying guest (PG) accommodation collapsed in southwest Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday, officials said. Rescue operations were underway to search for any remaining people trapped under the rubble.The collapse involved a building known as ‘Hostel Daze’, which was being used as a boys’ PG. An adjacent building also collapsed, according to eyewitnesses.
3 killed among 9 rescued as rescue operation continues
The AIIMS Trauma Centre said eight injured people were brought to hospitals following the incident. Seven were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, while one was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Two of those brought to AIIMS were declared brought dead.The death toll later rose to three, with authorities confirming that six people had been rescued from the rubble.Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were deployed at the site, while two additional teams were kept on standby, NDRF Inspector General NS Bundela said. Rescue teams were working in coordination with the State Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Service and other agencies.
Eight fire tenders on spot
The Delhi Fire Service received information about the collapse at around 1.30 pm, following which eight fire tenders and multiple rescue teams were rushed to the spot. Police also cordoned off the area as rescuers searched through the debris.Eyewitnesses said several students were believed to be inside the building when it collapsed. A local resident claimed the PG had around 15 rooms, with two to three students staying in each room, and that around 35 to 40 students were residing on its upper floors.Residents said many students were inside their rooms because it was Sunday. Several locals joined the rescue operation, removing debris with their hands and whatever tools were available.
Basement construction work under scanner
Residents alleged that construction or repair work was underway in the basement and that water had accumulated there. A local resident who has lived in the area for around two decades claimed the building’s foundation was weak.Another resident said he had been inside the building shortly before the collapse and managed to get out minutes before the structure came down.The adjacent building was also reportedly leaning after the collapse, raising concerns about the safety of nearby structures.
Students from several states among residents
Residents said most students staying at the PG were from Kerala, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and attended colleges including Motilal Nehru College, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College and Sri Venkateswara College.One resident said students were paying around Rs 12,000 per bed at the accommodation. Residents also raised concerns about the condition of buildings in the congested locality, where several residential properties have reportedly been converted into student PG accommodations.
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CM Rekha Gupta visits collapse site
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site and reviewed the ongoing search and rescue operation. Emergency teams continued clearing the rubble and searching for anyone who may still be trapped.“No one will be spared,” she says.
PM Modi expresses condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the deaths in the Satya Niketan building collapse and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He said authorities were working at the site and assisting people affected by the incident.
