Five dead after building collapses in New Delhi

Five people have died after a multistory building collapsed in New Delhi, and rescuers are still searching the rubble for survivors.

The collapse occurred early in the afternoon in the Satya Niketan neighborhood, where the building stood on a densely built street and had been used as student accommodation. Police believe several more people may remain beneath the debris, although the exact number is unknown. Indian media reported that dozens of people may have been staying there.

Rescue workers have pulled nine people alive from the wreckage, according to NDTV. Some of those rescued were in critical condition. The search continued as emergency crews worked through the debris.

It remained unclear why the approximately 50-year-old building collapsed. The Press Trust of India, citing police sources, reported that construction work had been taking place in the basement.