Delhi Satya Niketan Building Collapse: Death toll rises to 6; DU yet to confirm number of students affected

Around 10 people were rescued from the debris of a 50-year-old multi-storey PG accommodation that collapsed in southwest Delhi's Satya Niketan area, with the death toll reaching six. After the tragedy, DU expressed concern over the building collapse in South campus area and said it is ready to help and support students affected by the incident.

The building, which housed boys' accommodation near Delhi University's South campus, collapsed while repair work was underway. Ten injured were received at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) JPN Apex Trauma Centre, the hospital said in a statement.

“We are deeply pained and saddened by the building collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan. Our thoughts are with the students and families affected. We pray for the safe rescue of all those trapped and stand ready to support our students in every possible way,” DU posted on X.

However, the number of students affected by the building collapse is yet to be ascertained. The residents of the area also raised concerns over the condition and maintenance of other buildings, where several houses have been converted into PGs.

Sri Venkateswara College, which is located opposite the PG building, will remain shut today due to concerns among students staying in the area.

PG owner on run, probe on

According to media reports, the Delhi police have booked building owner Hariram Bansal and others under Sections 105, 290, and 125 (a) BNS. Multiple teams have been formed to trace the alleged persons, the police said.

The Delhi Police, including the Delhi Fire Service, the National Disaster Response Force, and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, have been carrying out rescue operations through the night.

As rescue teams worked through the debris, local residents also joined the efforts, using their bare hands and whatever tools they could find to search for those trapped due to the building collapse.

Also read 'Govt attempt to control UGC': Teachers' body demands academic as chairperson, Gaur's removal

South campus director on PG building collapse

In a video message on X, Rajni Abbi the director of the DU South campus, said the university is yet to determine the number of students who could be trapped or injured in the collapsed building.

"It is not known how many children are inside. No one is able to ascertain the exact number. We have told all our colleges, and they are assessing how many students live here,” she said.

The director also said that a few of the students shared videos from inside the collapsed building. She also added that colleges have been assessing the number of students staying in the area and have been called to stay in their colleges.

Locals in the area said most of the students staying in the area are from Keralam, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and study mainly at Motilal Nehru College, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharm College, and Sri Venkateswara College across the road.

DU colleges open gates for students

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) has posted on social media and said at least five Delhi University Colleges are offering accommodation for the affected students of Satya Niketan. The list includes:

• Atma Ram Sanatan Dharm College
• Sri Venkateswara College
• Maitreyi College
• Motilal Nehru College
• Ramlal Anand College
• Aryabhatta College

Students can also reach out to the helpline numbers at 9354037839 (Sooraj) and 9818124409 (Sant).