New Delhi: Six people have died, and 11 have been rescued while several others are feared trapped after the deadly multi-storey building collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan, officials said.
According to the rescue officials, during the overnight operations, one more person was rescued but was found dead.
The search and rescue operations continued throughout the night. Officials said that several people, mostly students, are still feared to be trapped in the debris, and efforts are underway to rescue them safely.
Earlier Sunday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry into the collapse of the boys’ PG building.
Following an on-site inspection of the tragedy, Gupta directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry into the circumstances leading to the building collapse and ordered that an FIR be registered against the building owner. The Chief Minister said those found responsible would face strict action under the law.
“Those found responsible for this grave incident will be held fully accountable and dealt with under the strictest provisions of law,” Gupta said after reviewing the situation at the spot.
According to police, the FIR has been registered at the South Campus police station against alleged owner Hariram and others. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel confirmed the registration of the case.
The building, which was around 40-50 years old, had a basement and five upper floors and was being used as a paying guest accommodation for students, many of whom were studying at Delhi University’s South Campus. Police said the premises had rooms to accommodate around 40 people.
The collapse occurred at around 1.30 p.m. while repair work was reportedly underway in the basement. Officials also indicated that heavy rains may have contributed to the incident.
Rescue operations involve teams from Delhi Police, the National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Service and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.
Further details are awaited.
