Credited from: INDIATIMES
On Sunday afternoon, the five-storey Hostel Daze in South Delhi's Satya Niketan collapsed, trapping an estimated 30 to 60 students inside as they were confined to their rooms. Witnesses reported a "sudden tremor" prior to the collapse, prompting confusion and panic in the densely populated area, renowned for its private student accommodations near the university. Several trapped individuals were reportedly making emergency calls while rescuers worked tirelessly to reach them, according to Indiatimes, SCMP, and BBC.
Rescue operations are currently in full swing, with multiple agencies deployed at the site using heavy machinery and specialized teams to search for survivors. At this time, at least six deaths have been confirmed, and several individuals remain in critical condition. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) reported treating multiple victims, with rescue teams relying on detection dogs and earthmovers to clear debris, as stated by Al Jazeera and Indiatimes.
Local residents highlighted the structural safety issues regarding buildings in Satya Niketan, citing that the collapsed hostel was over 20 years old and had not undergone necessary maintenance. Reports indicated that construction work being conducted in the basement had led to water accumulation and weakened the foundation. This has raised questions about the oversight of building regulations in the area, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into potential negligence, according to BBC and Indiatimes.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has assured the public that every effort is being made to rescue those still trapped and has stressed that such negligence regarding student safety "will not be tolerated." The local government is also under pressure to hold accountable those responsible for the building's collapse, as expressed by various local leaders and community members, according to SCMP and Al Jazeera.