A CCTV footage has emerged of the Satya Niketan building collapse, in which seven people are said to have died. The incident happened on Sunday afternoon
when the five-storey building, that houses a boys' paying guest (PG) accommodation, collapsed, triggering a massive rescue operation. The CCTV footage of the incident shows the structure suddenly crumbling and crashing onto the road below. Live updates here. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel, one more person rescued from the debris during the night was declared dead, taking the toll to six. Another body was recovered in the morning, taking the toll to seven. Apart from the seven dead, the incident left many trapped, some of whom have been rescued. The building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed around 1.30 pm while repair and construction work was reportedly underway in the basement. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) continued search operations through the night. An FIR has been registered against the building owner, identified as Hariram, and others, while Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
CM Rekha Gupta Promises Action Against Owner
On Monday, the CM visited the site for inspection of the rescue operation.
Addressing mediapersons, she said, "This is a truly tragic incident resulting from the building owner's negligence. It was a very old structure, and the pillars collapsed because the basement had become waterlogged; the entire building came down. Action has already been taken regarding this building, and proceedings will be initiated against the owner. Furthermore, any other dangerous buildings in the vicinity will be identified and demolished. Specifically, we have evacuated the building located directly behind this one, and it will be demolished with immediate effect."
AIIMS' JPN Apex Trauma Centre received 10 injured persons from the site. Five were brought dead, while another succumbed during treatment. Another body was recovered later. Three patients remain admitted, including one who underwent limb surgery, hospital officials said.
Also Read: CJP Reacts: 'How Long Must Students Pay The Price?'
Investigators are examining whether basement renovation work, coupled with water accumulation during the monsoon, weakened the structure. Preliminary findings suggest the basement was prone to waterlogging and that ongoing construction may have aggravated structural vulnerabilities. Reports also indicate the building may not have had a sanctioned plan and lacked mandatory approvals, including a fire NOC.
Residents described scenes of panic moments before and after the collapse. “We felt the ground shake like an earthquake,” said Roshan Pal, a student from Lucknow living nearby. Locals rushed to help rescue trapped students before emergency teams arrived.
MCD Orders Immediate Sealing Of Illegal Buildings
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has ordered demolition of a neighbouring structure deemed unsafe and launched action against illegal constructions. It has also directed the immediate sealing of illegal buildings exceeding four floors across the city following the tragedy.
The collapse has renewed concerns over the safety of student accommodations in Delhi. Building collapses are not uncommon during the monsoon season, when continued rainfall can further weaken vulnerable structures.
