A residential building in New Delhi collapsed while reportedly housing up to 50 individuals, as stated by witnesses, according to BBC reports.
At least three people have died in the incident, with two others in critical condition and concerns that more individuals may be trapped under the debris, NDTV reported. So far, nine people have been rescued, and authorities are actively engaged in search and rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “disturbing.” He expressed his condolences to those who have lost loved ones and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. In a statement shared on X, Modi noted, “Authorities are working at the site and assisting those affected by the incident.”
The building, located in the Satya Niketan neighborhood in the southwest of the Indian capital, served as a lodging facility and consisted of a basement and five upper floors. According to ANI, cited by Reuters, repair work was ongoing in the basement at the time of the collapse.
The Daze hostel was located near the University of Delhi campus, and many students were believed to be inside during the collapse, as Sunday is a day off from classes.
Building Aged 40-50 Years
Delhi Police reported that the building was approximately 40 to 50 years old. A nearby shop owner informed ANI that the property was under a 100-year lease and that the leaseholder had been conducting excavation work in the basement to increase revenue.
“They reinforced the upper structure, but the pillars underneath were weak,” he stated.
The National Students’ Union of India has called for the government to investigate the cause of the collapse and hold those responsible accountable. They emphasized, “Negligence regarding the safety of students and the general public will not be tolerated in any form.”
According to the Times of India, police are searching for the building’s owner.
