At Least 6 Students Dead, Dozens of Others Feared Trapped After Building Collapse

A tragic building collapse near Delhi University’s south campus has claimed the lives of at least six students and left many others trapped beneath the debris. The five-storey residential structure, known as Hostel Daze, collapsed shortly after 1:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, 6 September. Witnesses estimated that as many as 50 individuals, primarily students, were inside at the time.

Rescue operations are currently underway, with local fire services and the Indian National Disaster Response Force actively working to extract those still trapped. Reports suggest that between 30 to 40 people may be caught beneath the rubble. Preliminary reports indicate that three individuals are in critical condition, highlighting the urgency of the rescue efforts. As of now, at least eight people have been successfully rescued.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but police have announced that construction work was taking place in the basement when the incident occurred. Local officials are striving to ascertain the total number of victims, as the situation remains fluid and the exact count of those trapped remains unknown.

In a distressing development, some students who are still trapped have reportedly managed to make phone calls from beneath the debris, giving hope to rescue teams. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has been closely monitoring the situation and stated that an adjacent building was evacuated as a precautionary measure, emphasising that “every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped”.

The residential building housed approximately 15 rooms, each accommodating two to three students, as well as a medical shop on the ground floor. Local media have reported that many students were in their rooms at the time of the collapse, as classes had been cancelled for Sunday. Colleges within the Delhi University system, including Motilal Nehru College, decided to suspend classes on Monday, 7 September, in response to the tragedy.

Authorities have also extended support for students affected by the collapse. Motilal Nehru College announced via social media that displaced students seeking shelter could find food and accommodations on campus. “Students who have been displaced or are unable to access their accommodation are requested to reach out and seek shelter,” the college stated.

Investigations are underway to locate the building’s owner; police have already identified the individual responsible. Chief Minister Gupta has promised swift action following the incident, although the exact cause of the collapse has not yet been established. Meanwhile, the National Students’ Union of India has called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved. They condemned any negligence regarding the safety of both students and the general public, stating, “Negligence with the safety of students and common people will not be tolerated at any cost”.

Building collapses are not uncommon in India, especially during the monsoon season from June to September. Heavy rains can significantly weaken older structures, often leading to such disasters. The sad reality of building safety in the country raises concerns about the adherence to construction regulations and the need for stricter oversight to prevent future tragedies.

Efforts to rescue the trapped individuals continue, as the community holds its breath, hoping for more survivors. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of ensuring safe living conditions, particularly in places where students reside away from home. As rescue teams comb through the debris, many await any news of their loved ones with heavy hearts.