Additional Coverage:
- Rescuers search for people trapped in a New Delhi building collapse as death toll rises to 6 (apnews.com)
Search and rescue teams continued their efforts Monday in New Delhi following the collapse of a five-story building that served as a boys’ hostel. The death toll has risen to six, with six others reported injured.
The incident occurred Sunday in Satya Niketan, a densely populated area near Delhi University known for its student housing. Rescue personnel, including police, firefighters, and disaster response teams, have been working through the rubble for a second day. Earthmoving equipment and sniffer dogs have been deployed to locate and assist survivors trapped beneath the debris.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reported that at least 12 individuals have been rescued from the wreckage. She noted that approximately 80% of the debris has been cleared, with only the basement rubble remaining.
Residents indicated that the building was over 55 years old and had been undergoing renovation for several months. Despite incomplete repairs, the hostel reopened to tenants, primarily students, in August. Witnesses stated that laborers were conducting excavation work in the basement when the structure gave way.
Preliminary investigations point to water accumulation in the basement and ongoing renovation activities as possible causes of the collapse. In response, the Delhi government plans to implement a policy mandating regular structural audits and safety certifications for buildings open to the public, including student accommodations, nursing homes, and schools. Gupta emphasized that no public activities will be allowed in buildings that fail to meet safety standards.
Building collapses are a known risk during India’s monsoon season, which spans from June to September, as heavy and prolonged rains can weaken aging infrastructure. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue operations proceed.