Building collapse in New Delhi kills 5, traps dozens

At least five individuals lost their lives after a five-story building meant for college students in South West Delhi's Satya Niketan collapsed on Sunday (September 6, 2026). The structure, housing a paying guest accommodation named Hostel Daze, is situated near Delhi University's South Campus. Among the 11 people rescued from the rubble and transported to hospitals, four tragically succumbed to their injuries at the JPN Apex Trauma Centre within AIIMS.

One individual succumbed to their wounds and the remaining three were admitted to AIIMS for treatment. Another patient underwent limb surgery, while a 19-year-old man sustained minor injuries and was discharged following observation. One more person was taken to Safdarjung hospital and is currently stable.

The building, roughly 50 years old, was undergoing repair work in its basement when the catastrophe unfolded. The South Campus police station received an emergency call at 1:34 p.m., reporting a collapse at Satya Niketan Market. Within an hour, the area was secured, and student volunteers assisted in clearing the debris for JCB machines to access it.

Rescue teams, comprising Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, the National Disaster Response Force, and the District Disaster Management Authority, arrived on the scene with ten fire tenders and Centralised Accident and Trauma Services ambulances. They commenced rescue operations, guided by senior officials.

Local residents expressed concerns about the building's structural integrity, citing its age and recent repair work as contributing factors. Many residents have been staying in PG accommodations for the past 48 years, witnessing the building gradually add floors without adequate support or pillars. The five-story building initially collapsed under its own weight, subsequently toppling forward onto the road.

Witnesses reported that the ground floor housed a general store, while laborers were actively engaged in the basement. The PG accommodation reputedly housed at least 30 students, many of whom were from other states. Local Delhi University law student Abhishek Mishra highlighted the subpar treatment of students by PG managers and the lack of inspections for structural defects.

Among the rescued, a Mathematics book belonging to a B.Com student named Rajesh Mishra was found amongst the debris.

Rescue efforts intensified significantly after 3:30-4 p.m., following the arrival of senior officials. Prior to their intervention, student volunteers cleared debris, moved damaged vehicles, and cleared a nearby MCD park for debris disposal. They also tied loose electricity wires to facilitate the movement of JCB machines.