Satya Niketan building collapse: teams search rubble for possible survivors

Rescuers used acoustic devices and victim-location cameras to search for signs of life beneath a collapsed building in Satya Niketan, as the operation continued for more than 12 hours.

Narrow approach lanes forced Delhi Fire Services tenders and other large emergency vehicles to park away from the site, limiting the use of heavy machinery. Teams initially removed much of the reinforced-concrete debris by hand because they feared extensive earthmover use could injure people who may be trapped below.

Concrete slabs tangled with steel reinforcement bars slowed JCB operations. Rescue workers used iron rods to lift and shift sections of rubble around cavities formed beneath fallen slabs. Only one truck could enter the area at a time, further restricting debris removal.

Delhi Civil Defence, Delhi Police, NDRF and fire service personnel were at the site. After dark, teams installed generators and floodlights and used hydraulic cutters, drilling machines and canine squads.

NDRF Inspector General NS Bundela said two teams of around 70 personnel were working at the site, with additional teams kept in reserve and on standby in Dwarka.