Three people died and at least eight survived after a five-storey student accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan. Rescue operations remain underway.
At least three people were killed after a multi-storey building housing a boys’ paying-guest accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
According to the latest Delhi Police update reported at around 9:08 p.m. IST, rescuers had pulled 11 people from the debris, including the three who died. Search operations were continuing amid concerns that more occupants could remain trapped.
The building, located opposite Sri Venkateswara College near Delhi University’s South Campus, comprised a basement and five upper floors. The Delhi Fire Services received an emergency call at approximately 1:30 p.m., after which police, firefighters and disaster-response teams rushed to the congested locality.
Basement Work Under Investigation
Initial reports indicated that repair or construction work was being carried out in the basement when the structure collapsed. However, authorities have not announced a final cause, and investigators are examining whether unauthorised alterations or structural violations contributed to the disaster.
The structure was reportedly around 40 to 50 years old and was being used as student accommodation. Officials are examining its approvals, structural condition and occupancy records.
Major Rescue Operation Launched
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, Delhi Disaster Management Authority, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, CATS and Civil Defence participated in the operation.
NDRF personnel used specialist equipment and a dog squad to search through the debris. Heavy machinery was deployed carefully to remove concrete while reducing the risk to anyone who might still be alive beneath the wreckage.
A neighbouring building was evacuated as a precaution while engineers assessed whether the collapse had affected surrounding structures.
Several injured people were transported to the AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjung Hospital. Families gathered at the hospitals and collapse site seeking information about students who could not be contacted.
CM Rekha Gupta Promises Action
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the affected area and said all agencies were working together to rescue those trapped. She also promised strict action if negligence or unauthorised construction was established.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the recovery of the injured and said authorities were assisting those affected.
The incident has renewed concerns about the structural safety and regulation of private student accommodations around Delhi University’s South Campus. Officials are expected to inspect the collapsed property and determine whether required building and fire-safety regulations were followed.
Casualty and rescue figures may change as the operation continues.
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