India news: Rescue efforts underway in deadly Delhi building collapse

At least seven lives were lost and multiple others injured following the collapse of a building in Delhi's Satya Niketan area on Sunday. Rescue operations persist into a second day, with teams from NDRF, SDRF and others clearing debris and searching for trapped individuals. Questions arise regarding safety standards and enforcement in the capital city. The building, which housed paying-guest accommodations for boys, has raised concerns about the construction and fire safety regulations in place.

A timeline of events unfolded throughout the day:

- At 1:30pm, the building collapsed, prompting immediate calls for rescue.

- At 1:34pm, eight fire tenders arrived at the scene to begin the search and rescue efforts.

- By 3pm, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta acknowledged the incident and emphasized the NCT government's monitoring of the rescue operation.

- At 3:20pm, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi reported receiving patients in their trauma center.

- By 3:30pm, officials stated that six to seven students had been rescued, with search efforts ongoing for others trapped under the rubble.

- Police revealed that construction in the basement may have contributed to the collapse, as the building had been under construction for 10 to 15 days.

- At 4:45pm, AIIMS Delhi confirmed the first death of the incident.

- At 5pm, Union Home Minister Amit Shah canceled his Goa event to monitor the situation.

- A police statement revealed that the collapsed building was 40 to 50 years old and featured a basement and five upper storeys.

- CM Rekha Gupta and Labour Minister Kapil Mishra visited the site, while the death toll increased to three by 6 to 7pm.

- AIIMS Delhi reported the death toll to reach three by 8pm, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta arriving at the trauma center to oversee the situation and meet injured students.

- Venkateswara College and Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College announced shelters for affected students, opening canteens and providing emergency relief.

- Venkateswara College declared a holiday to ensure the safety of students amid the rescue operation.

- At 9pm, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh arrived at the site.

- The death toll climbed to five by 10pm, with AIIMS Delhi confirming two more fatalities.

- On Monday, the death toll reached six after AIIMS Delhi reported another death at 7am. Another body was discovered at 12 noon, bringing the total to seven.

- CM Rekha Gupta visited the site again, promising strict action against those found responsible for negligence and ordering the immediate sealing of buildings with four or more storeys.