One dead, several trapped after five-storied building collapses in Delhi

NEW DELHI: One died while more than 30 are feared trapped under the debris after a five-storied building collapsed in Delhi. The building, located in Satya Niketan in southwest Delhi, collapsed, reportedly trapping around 50 people. Most of them are believed to be students. Some people have reportedly been rescued. Rescue operations are underway. Local residents say they can hear cries coming from beneath the rubble.

The building, which served as a hostel accommodating students as paying guests, collapsed around noon. The area has several colleges and is densely populated with students. Eyewitnesses said that many students were inside the building when the accident occurred. Heavy rain is believed to have caused the collapse. Rescue teams have been able to establish phone contact with some of the students trapped under the debris.

Firefighters, police, local residents and student organisations are involved in the rescue operation. The debris is being removed carefully using earthmoving equipment. The chief minister said that additional rescue personnel equipped with advanced facilities had been dispatched to the site. Nearby buildings have also been evacuated as a precautionary measure.