India

Delhi Hostel Collapse: Seven Dead, Rescue Efforts Continue as Owner Arrested

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Rescue workers continued digging through debris on Monday, a day after a five-storey residential building collapsed in south-west Delhi, killing at least seven people. It remains unclear how many people were inside the structure, known as Hostel Daze, located in the Satya Niketan neighborhood near Delhi University's south campus, or whether anyone remains trapped under the rubble.

Eyewitnesses told local media that between two and four dozen people may have been inside at the time of the collapse, though authorities have not confirmed exact numbers. Officials said 12 people were taken to hospital, seven of whom died, while others are receiving treatment.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the collapse was caused by "accumulation of water, combined with ongoing repair work in the basement" of the building. She confirmed that the building's owner has been arrested and that five senior officials from the Delhi Municipal Corporation have been suspended in connection with the incident.

The building collapsed around 1:30 p.m. local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday. Most residents were students, and many were believed to be in their rooms since there were no classes that day. By Monday morning, Gupta said approximately 80% of the debris had been cleared, with only rubble from the basement remaining.

At the site, rescue workers from the National Disaster Response Force used excavators and electric saws to cut through steel and concrete in search of survivors. Mattresses and personal belongings were seen scattered among the debris. Officials have not disclosed whether the casualties include students, residents, or laborers who may have been working in the basement.

A local assembly member said Sunday that some trapped students had been making phone calls from beneath the rubble. A nearby shopkeeper described hearing a sound