Delhi building collapse live: Six dead as rescue teams search debris and MCD faces safety protests

At least six people have died after a five-storey building used as a boys’ paying guest accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, as rescue teams continued searching the debris for anyone still trapped.

The building, near Delhi University’s South Campus and opposite Sri Venkateswara College, collapsed at about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday while repair work was reportedly underway in the basement. The structure had a basement and five upper floors.

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other agencies worked through the night. Ten people were rescued from the debris and taken to hospital, with several reportedly in critical condition. CCTV footage captured the incident, while a local worker said he heard a loud sound before seeing the building completely collapse.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry, and Delhi Police registered a first information report against the building owner. Authorities are examining the circumstances of the collapse, including the repair work at the premises.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi ordered the immediate sealing of illegal constructions exceeding four floors following the collapse. At the MCD Civic Centre, around 150 to 200 ABVP students protested, demanding the MCD commissioner’s resignation and action over alleged safety lapses at paying guest accommodations. The group called for an impartial probe and safety audits of PG buildings across Delhi. About 15 students were detained after a scuffle with police.