Loud sound, cloud of dust: Students, locals form human chain; first responders recall moments after building collapse

Minutes after the building collapse in South-west Delhi's Satya Niketan on Sunday, students and nearby residents formed a human chain to aid rescue efforts. Bricks, stone slabs, broken furniture, and mattresses were cleared from the debris to aid in the quick identification and rescue of trapped students. Deepak Kumar, a 21-year-old, was at a fast food outlet when he heard a loud sound and saw a cloud of dust.

Residents quickly shut their shops and began pulling out owners of nearby establishments, including a paan stall and an electrical goods store. An old man with a stuck leg was also pulled out, though cries for help could be heard from within the debris. Rescue operations commenced soon after the building fell, with students and locals contributing to the effort.

Abhishek Mishra, a law student familiar with the area, was among the first responders along with his roommate. They urged residents to move their vehicles to facilitate the work of rescue teams and removed rubble with their bare hands. Police arrived quickly, but cranes took longer to reach the site. Over six cranes were later deployed to assist in the rescue mission.

An NDRF team used life detectors and search dogs, while officials mentioned the use of diamond chain saws, hydraulic jacks, combi cutters, and plasma cutters to clear the rubble. Despite the challenges posed by the debris, a person was rescued in 15 minutes, and two others in 30 minutes. Ten individuals were rescued in total, but five others were pronounced dead.