Six killed as building collapses in New Delhi

Search and rescue teams continued combing the ruins of a collapsed five-story building in New Delhi on Monday, as the death toll rose to six, Indian authorities said.

The building, which housed a boys’ hostel, collapsed Sunday in Satya Niketan, a densely populated area known for private student accommodation near the University of Delhi campus. Police, firefighters and teams from India’s disaster response agency worked into a second day while construction workers cleared debris. Sniffer dogs helped rescuers search for people who might still be trapped.

Authorities said rescue teams had pulled at least 12 people from beneath the rubble. About 80% of the debris had been removed, leaving the remains of the basement. Six people were injured.

Residents said the building was at least 55 years old and had undergone renovation for months before reopening to mostly student tenants in August, despite the work not being complete. Preliminary findings indicated that water accumulation in the basement and ongoing repair work may have contributed to the collapse.

Building collapses remain a recurring danger in parts of India during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. Heavy and prolonged rain can weaken older structures.