Students call from rubble after Satya Niketan PG building collapse

Students trapped beneath a collapsed six-storey building in Satya Niketan have made phone calls from the rubble, South-West Delhi MLA Anil Sharma said as rescue teams worked through the afternoon.

The building, identified by police as Hostel Daze, was used as paying-guest accommodation for college students and stands near Delhi University’s South Campus. It collapsed at about 1.34pm, police said. Construction work was underway in its basement.

The number of people still inside was not confirmed. Sharma said several students had been rescued, while witnesses estimated that up to 15 people could be trapped. Injured people were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre and were said to be in critical condition.

At least 12 fire engines, along with police, medical workers, disaster-response personnel and an NDRF team, were deployed at the site. An excavator was being used to clear slabs and girders, with more machinery being brought in.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said a full team had been sent to the site. Home Minister Ashish Sood said the government had directed agencies to take necessary safety measures during the operation.