A building suddenly collapsed in Satya Niketan, Delhi, on Sunday afternoon, with officials suspecting that several people remain trapped under the debris. The building, which was being used as paying-guest accommodation for students, came down around 1:30 pm.
Authorities said four people have been rescued safely so far, while search teams continue looking for others who may still be trapped inside. An eyewitness said around 50 students may have been present in the building at the time, given that it was a Sunday.
Those present at the location fled in panic immediately after the building collapsed. One student said cries for help could be heard coming from under the debris, prompting officials to intensify and speed up rescue operations amid suspicion that more people remain trapped inside.
More than 12 fire engines were deployed to the accident site, along with an excavator brought in to clear concrete blocks and iron rods from the rubble. Disaster management teams have also joined the ongoing rescue and relief efforts at the location.
Satya Niketan, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, is home to a large student population, and student organisations rushed to the spot to assist in relief work upon learning of the incident. Officials are continuing a full-scale search operation to determine whether anyone else remains trapped under the rubble.